urethra

[yoo-ree-thruh]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Anatomy.

plural

urethrae, urethras

the membranous tube that extends from the urinary bladder to the exterior and that in the male conveys semen as well as urine.

urethra

/ ��ʊˈ��ːθ��ə /

noun

the canal that in most mammals conveys urine from the bladder out of the body. In human males it also conveys semen

urethra

plural

urethras

The duct through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body in most mammals and some fish and birds. In males, the urethra passes through the penis and also serves as the duct for the release of sperm, which enter the urethra from the vas deferens.

urethra

A tube through which urine moves from the urinary bladder out of the body. In the male, the urethra also acts as the passageway for semen.

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Other Word Forms

urethral adjective
suburethral adjective
transurethral adjective
��ˈ��ٳ�� adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of urethra¹

First recorded in 1625–35; from Late Latin ū��ŧ�ٳ��, from Greek �ǳܰ�ḗt��, equivalent to �ǳܰ�ŧ- + -thra noun suffix; ureter

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Word History and Origins

Origin of urethra¹

C17: via Late Latin from Greek �ǳܰ�ŧ�ٳ��, from ourein to _urinate

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

UTIs are bacterial infections which can affect the bladder, urethra or kidneys.

From

Other risks from recreational use include liver failure, damage to the urethra, incontinence and impotence.

From

While there are urban legends of the fish swimming up the urethras of some people, this has only been documented once and under controversial circumstances.

From

These measures track the roles of surface tension, gravity and inertia in how fluids are excreted from a tube like the urethra.

From

A typical remedy is to stretch or dilate the urethra, a minimally invasive procedure that is often performed with general anesthesia, Dr. Lepor said.

From

urethr-urethrectomy

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