Urinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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urinate

[หˆjสŠษ™rษชneษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a medical context

To pass urine from the body; to expel urine.

Synonyms

pee, piss, wee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
urinate

This word is formal and often used in medical or official contexts.

  • The doctor asked if the patient had any difficulty urinating.
  • It's important to stay hydrated to urinate regularly.
pee

This is a casual, informal word used in everyday conversation, especially around friends and family.

  • I'll be right back, I need to pee.
  • The toddler told her mom she needed to pee.
piss

This is a very informal and vulgar word, often used among friends or in situations where colloquial speech is appropriate. It carries a negative connotation and can be considered rude.

  • He said he needed to take a piss before they left.
  • She was pissed off at him for not returning her call.
wee

This is a casual, informal word often used with or by children in British English.

  • The child said he needed to wee.
  • She asked her son if he needed a wee before their trip.

Examples of usage

  • He needs to urinate frequently due to his medical condition.
  • She was unable to urinate properly after the surgery.
Context #2 | Verb

in a casual context

To go to the toilet to pass urine.

Synonyms

pee, piss, wee.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
urinate

This is a formal and medical term. It is used in clinical or scientific contexts or when formality is required.

  • The doctor will ask you to urinate in a cup for the test.
  • Infants also need to urinate frequently.
pee

This is an informal and casual term. It is commonly used in everyday conversation, especially among friends or family.

  • I need to pee before we leave.
  • The little boy said he had to pee.
piss

This is a vulgar and offensive term. It is often used to express annoyance or in crude conversations. It may be deemed inappropriate in polite or formal settings.

  • He went behind the tree to take a piss.
  • Don't piss me off.
wee

This is a very informal and child-friendly term. It is often used by or around children.

  • Do you need to go for a wee before we go?
  • The toddler said she needed to wee.

Examples of usage

  • I need to urinate before we leave the house.
  • He stopped the car so she could urinate by the roadside.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Frequent urination can be a sign of hydration, but excessive frequency may indicate a health issue.
  • Normal urine color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber depending on hydration status.
  • Certain foods, like asparagus, can change the smell of urine due to unique compounds within them.

Culture

  • Some cultures view the act of relieving oneself in nature as a natural and necessary part of life.
  • In some traditional medicines, urine is considered for therapeutic purposes; this is known as urine therapy, although itโ€™s quite controversial.
  • Humor about bodily functions, including urination, is often found in various forms of media, reflecting a cultural acceptance of discussing bodily needs.

Science

  • Urination is a crucial biological process that regulates fluid balance and waste removal.
  • The kidneys filter blood to produce urine, which contains waste products like urea and creatinine.
  • On average, adults urinate about 6-8 times per day, depending on fluid intake and other factors.

Psychology

  • Discussing bodily functions like urination can trigger laughter or discomfort depending on social context.
  • The need to urinate can lead to a psychological urge, where thinking about it makes the need feel stronger.
  • Children often find humor in potty-related topics, reflecting natural curiosity about bodily functions.

Origin of 'urinate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'urinare', which means 'to urinate'.
  • The root 'urin' also relates to the word 'urine', which is the liquid that is passed.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century.

The word 'urinate' comes from the Latin word 'urinare', which means 'to plunge into the water'. This reflects the ancient belief that urinating in water was a way to cleanse the body. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to focus on the act of expelling urine from the body.


See also: urination.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,241, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.