What does polyuria mean?
Polyuria is the medical term for producing an unusually large amount of urine. It is commonly used when increased urine output is a symptom of diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, certain medications, or excessive fluid intake. The word is also often encountered alongside polydipsia, the excessive thirst that can accompany the condition. Polyuria should not be confused with ordinary frequent urination, which can occur without an increase in total urine volume, or with urinary incontinence, which involves involuntary leakage. The term is used mainly in clinical and medical settings, where it helps identify patterns that may require further investigation. Although increased thirst and urination are familiar experiences, polyuria names a specific and potentially important symptom, particularly when it persists or develops suddenly.
nounThe production of an unusually large amount of urine, often as a symptom of an underlying medical condition or of excessive fluid intake.
- The production of an abnormally large volume of urine, especially as a clinical sign or symptom.
"Persistent polyuria prompted the doctor to test for diabetes."
"Excessive polyuria can occur in people with diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus."
"The patient reported increased thirst and polyuria over several weeks."
Rarely pluralized because the word normally appears as a mass-like clinical term.
"The report documented severe polyurias following the medication changes."
When the body produces too much urine, it may be sending a signal far more important than thirst itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does polyuria come from?
Polyuria combines the Greek combining form poly-, meaning “much” or “many,” with ouria, derived from Greek ouron, meaning “urine.” The compound follows a pattern shared by other medical terms ending in -uria, including oliguria, anuria, dysuria, and hematuria. These forms entered medical usage through modern scientific terminology, with the prefix determining the particular abnormality described.
Related word forms
How polyuria is actually used
Polyuria is chiefly a medical term. It describes increased urine output rather than frequent urination alone, and it should be distinguished from polydipsia, which describes increased thirst. Its causes can include diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, certain medications, and excessive fluid intake.
Easily confused with polyuria
Polyuria is excessive urine production, whereas polydipsia is excessive thirst.
Polyuria refers to producing unusually large volumes of urine, while urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine.