diuretic
UK[ˌdaɪjʊˈrɛtɪk]US[ˌdaɪəˈrɛtɪk]
adj
(of a substance) causing increased passing of urine.
n
a substance that causes increased passing of urine.
Morpheme Breakdown
dia
uret
ic
dia
through
uret
urine
ic
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'diuretic' is a scientific term built from classical components. Its core, the Greek ouron (urine), is combined with the prefix dia-, meaning "through", to create a sense of causing urine to pass through the body. The adjectival suffix -ic was added, following the pattern of many medical and chemical terms borrowed via Latin. Thus, the literal construction "pertaining to passing urine" evolved into the modern, precise meaning for any agent that promotes the excretion of water and salts from the body.
Analysis
Structure: dia (through) + uret (urine) + ic (adjective suffix)
dia: Greek origin, meaning "through" or "across". A prefix indicating passage.
uret: Derived from Greek ouron (urine), via the combining form ourēt-.
ic: English suffix from Latin -icus, Greek -ikos, forming adjectives meaning "of, pertaining to, or having the nature of".
Examples
Coffee has a mild diuretic effect.
The doctor prescribed a diuretic to help reduce her patient's fluid retention.
Some herbal teas are known for their diuretic properties.