urethra

noun
ure·​thra | \ yu̇-ˈrē-thrə How to pronounce urethra (audio) \
plural urethras or urethrae\ yu̇-​ˈrē-​(ˌ)thrē How to pronounce urethrae (audio) \

Definition of urethra

: the canal that in most mammals carries off the urine from the bladder and in the male serves also as a passageway for semen

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Other Words from urethra

urethral \ yu̇-​ˈrē-​thrəl How to pronounce urethral (audio) \ adjective

Examples of urethra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, researchers have created skin and cartilage, urethras and bladders. New York Times, "Why Midsize Cities Struggle to Catch Up to Superstar Cities," 16 July 2019 Doctors examined the woman’s bladder by performing a cystoscopy, when a tube equipped with a lens is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, and captured a particularly gross video. Samantha Lauriello, Health.com, "This Woman Had Feces Leaking Into Her Bladder—and Yes, It’s as Gross as It Sounds," 2 July 2019 In women, the urethra — the gateway to the urinary tract — is in proximity to the rectum. Matt Richtel, New York Times, "Urinary Tract Infections Affect Millions. The Cures Are Faltering.," 6 Apr. 2019 Your doctor may also insert long, thin tools into your urethra to locate the stone, then remove it or break it into smaller pieces. Korin Miller, SELF, "10 Things That Can Cause Blood in Your Urine," 19 Sep. 2018 The urethra: This is the tunnel through which urine and semen travel. Zahra Barnes, SELF, "11 Things Everyone Should Know About Uncircumcised Penises," 29 Dec. 2018 According to the Mayo Clinic, as fluids build in your bladder, nerve signals from your bladder to your brain typically trigger your pelvic floor muscles and muscles of your urethra to relax. Korin Miller, SELF, "11 Possible Reasons You’re Peeing All the Time," 10 Jan. 2018 Various health conditions can cause retrograde ejaculation, including diabetes, spinal injuries, medications, and surgery of the bladder, prostate, or urethra. Jennifer Gerson, Marie Claire, "Can Men Cause Fertility Issues?," 1 Oct. 2018 Your urethra is a tiny hole above your vaginal opening where pee comes out AKA it's not involved in any kind of penetration. Yerin Kim, Seventeen, "14 Things No One Tells You About Losing Your Virginity," 22 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'urethra.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of urethra

1634, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for urethra

Late Latin, from Greek ourēthra, from ourein to urinate

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More Definitions for urethra

urethra

noun

English Language Learners Definition of urethra

medical : the tube through which urine moves from the bladder and out of the body and that in men and male animals is also the means by which semen leaves the body

urethra

noun
ure·​thra | \ yu̇-ˈrē-thrə How to pronounce urethra (audio) \
plural urethras or urethrae\ -​(ˌ)thrē How to pronounce urethrae (audio) \

Medical Definition of urethra

: the canal that in most mammals carries off the urine from the bladder and in the male serves also as a passageway for semen

Other Words from urethra

urethral \ -​thrəl How to pronounce urethral (audio) \ adjective

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