Urinal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🚻
urinal
[ˈjʊərɪnəl ]
Definition
restroom fixture
A urinal is a plumbing fixture for urination only, commonly found in men's restrooms. It is typically a wall-mounted or free-standing unit that allows individuals to urinate without the need to use a toilet. Urinals are often integrated into public restrooms and are designed to efficiently accommodate multiple users. They can be made from various materials, but porcelain is the most common due to its durability and ease of cleaning.
Synonyms
loo, toilet, water closet.
Examples of usage
- The restroom had a row of urinals along the wall.
- He used the urinal quickly before heading back to the game.
- The maintenance team regularly cleans the urinals to keep them hygienic.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In public spaces, urinals help reduce waiting times for bathroom access, especially in busy venues.
- Some cultures have different attitudes toward public restrooms, affecting the design and availability of urinals.
- Certain modern designs of urinals include water-saving features to promote environmental responsibility.
Design and Technology
- Many contemporary urinals utilize sensors to flush automatically, promoting hygiene and water conservation.
- There are now touchless urinals that open up possibilities for hands-free sanitation in public restrooms.
- Innovations include odor-neutralizing technologies and designs that reduce splash-back, enhancing user experience.
Health and Hygiene
- Proper design of urinals can help maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of spreading germs in shared bathrooms.
- Frequent cleaning and maintenance are crucial in public restrooms to ensure a safe environment for users.
- Studies suggest that well-designed fixtures can encourage better sanitation habits among the users.
Art and Literature
- Urinals have been referenced in various literary works to highlight themes of masculinity and social norms.
- An artwork known as 'Fountain' by Marcel Duchamp features a urinal and is a famous piece of Dada art.
- The portrayal of urinals in pop culture often reflects societal attitudes toward gender and privacy.
Origin of 'urinal'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'urinal' comes from the Latin word 'urinare', which means 'to urinate'.
- It was used in English around the 14th century, originally to describe any vessel used for urination.
- By the late 19th century, the term specifically referred to the standing toilet fixture we know today.
The term 'urinal' has its origins in the late Middle Ages, coming from the Latin word 'urinarius,' which is derived from 'urina,' meaning urine. Originally, the word referred to any vessel or receptacle for collecting urine. Over time, the term evolved to specifically denote the fixture designed for urination, primarily used in public restrooms. The use of urinals became more prevalent in the 19th century with the modernization of plumbing and public sanitation. As cities expanded and the need for hygienic solutions increased, the design and accessibility of urinals improved, leading to various styles and implementations we see today. Modern urinals have also been influenced by health regulations and trends towards water conservation, resulting in the development of waterless urinals and those designed to use less flush water.