urethral
|u-re-thral|
/jʊˈriːθrəl/
pertaining to the urethra
Etymology
'urethral' originates from Latin (via Medieval/Neo-Latin), specifically the Medieval Latin word 'urethralis', where 'urethra' comes from Greek 'ourēthrā' meaning 'passage for urine' and the suffix '-alis' (Latin) forms adjectives.
'urethral' changed from Medieval Latin 'urethralis' into Late/Medieval English forms and eventually became the modern English adjective 'urethral'. The Greek root 'ourēthrā' entered Latin as 'urethra', to which the adjectival suffix '-al' was added.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to the urethra (the urinary passage)', and over time it has retained this same medical/anatomical meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the urethra (the tube that conveys urine from the bladder to the outside of the body).
Urethral pain is a common symptom.
Synonyms
Adjective 2
situated in, passing through, or affecting the urethra (for example, urethral catheterization or an urethral stricture).
A urethral stricture can obstruct urine flow.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/23 09:43