KIDNEY

Noun6 lettersValid in our Scrabble word list
Unscramble KIDNEY

Quick definition

KIDNEY is a vital organ that filters blood, removes waste, and produces urine. Humans typically have two kidneys located in the lower back.

Is KIDNEY a valid Scrabble word?

Yes. KIDNEY is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 14 points in Scrabble, 14 in Words With Friends and 14 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.

LetterKIDNEYTotal
Scrabble51211414
Words With Friends51221314
Wordfeud51211414

Definition and meaning

KIDNEY refers to either of two bean-shaped organs in the renal system that filter blood, remove waste products, regulate blood pressure, and produce urine. Located on either side of the spine in the lower back, kidneys are essential for maintaining the body's chemical balance and overall health. Each kidney contains about a million tiny filtering units called nephrons. These remarkable organs process about 200 quarts of blood daily, producing about 2 quarts of urine. Beyond waste removal, kidneys help regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells, and maintain the body's calcium and phosphorus balance. Key functions of kidneys: Filtration: Remove waste products and excess water from blood Regulation: Balance electrolytes, pH levels, and blood pressure Hormone production: Create erythropoietin for red blood cell production Vitamin D activation: Convert vitamin D to its active form

KIDNEY in a sentence

  • The doctor explained that her kidney function tests came back normal.
  • He decided to become a living kidney donor for his brother.
  • Drinking plenty of water helps maintain healthy kidney function.

Synonyms

  • RenalRelating to kidneys
  • Nephro-Kidney-related prefix
  • Urinary organFunctional description
  • Filter organBased on function
  • LiverAnother vital organ
  • BladderStores kidney output
  • UreterConnects to kidney
  • Adrenal glandSits atop kidney

Word forms

  • Plural Form: kidneys
  • Possessive Form: kidney's

Origin

The word kidney has a fascinating etymology combining body parts and shape descriptions. It derives from Middle English kidenei, which came from an earlier form kidenere. This appears to be a compound of two elements. The first part may come from Old English cwið meaning "womb" or "belly," or possibly from cēod meaning "bag" or "pouch." The second element nēre is related to niere, from Proto-Germanic *neurô, which also gave us the archaic English word "neer" for kidney. The modern spelling emerged in the 14th century. Interestingly, many Germanic languages use completely different roots - German uses Niere, while Romance languages use variations of Latin ren (as in "renal"). The bean-like shape of kidneys has made "kidney-shaped" a common descriptive term, and "kidney bean" was named for its resemblance to the organ.

Anagrams, hooks and words inside KIDNEY

Anagrams: DINKEY

Hooks: no front hooks; back KIDNEYS.

Words inside KIDNEY: 38 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: DINKEYDIKEYDINKYDYKEINKYINKEDKEYKYEDIKEDINKKINDDENY. See all words from KIDNEY.

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