renal

adjective

re·​nal ˈrē-nᵊl How to pronounce renal (audio)
: of, relating to, involving, or located in the region of the kidneys : nephric
renal disease
renal failure

Examples of renal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The pig kidney allowed the 53-year-old grandmother to live dialysis-free for 130 days, but it was removed after an unrelated infection reduced her renal function. Nadia Kounang, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 The condition damages the kidney's glomeruli, which can lead to end-stage renal failure if untreated. David Hampton, Verywell Health, 27 Aug. 2025 In late March, Giuffre was struck by a school bus and said she was given four days to live after going into renal failure. Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 25 Aug. 2025 The death certificate also indicated that contributing conditions in the actor's death were end stage renal (kidney) disease, diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol). Alex Ross, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for renal

Word History

Etymology

French or Late Latin; French rénal, from Late Latin renalis, from Latin renes kidneys

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of renal was circa 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Renal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/renal. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

renal

adjective
re·​nal ˈrēn-ᵊl How to pronounce renal (audio)
: relating to, involving, or located in the region of the kidneys

Medical Definition

renal

adjective
re·​nal ˈrēn-ᵊl How to pronounce renal (audio)
: relating to, involving, affecting, or located in the region of the kidneys : nephric
renal function

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