View source for Biology:Urine

{{short description|Liquid by-product of metabolism in the bodies of many animals, including humans}}
{{pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
[[File:Weewee.JPG|thumb|upright=0.5|Sample of human urine]]

'''Urine''' is a liquid by-product of [[Biology:Metabolism|metabolism]] in humans and in many other animals. Urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the [[Biology:Urinary bladder|urinary bladder]]. [[Biology:Urination|Urination]] results in urine being [[Biology:Excretion|excreted]] from the body through the urethra.

[[Biology:Cell|Cellular]] metabolism generates many by-products that are rich in [[Chemistry:Nitrogen|nitrogen]] and must be cleared from the [[Biology:Circulatory system|bloodstream]], such as [[Chemistry:Urea|urea]], [[Chemistry:Uric acid|uric acid]], and [[Chemistry:Creatinine|creatinine]]. These by-products are expelled from the body during urination, which is the primary method for excreting water-soluble chemicals from the body. A urinalysis can detect nitrogenous wastes of the [[Biology:Mammal|mammal]]ian body.

Urine plays an important role in the earth's [[Biology:Nitrogen cycle|nitrogen cycle]]. In balanced [[Earth:Ecosystem|ecosystem]]s, urine fertilizes the [[Chemistry:Soil|soil]] and thus helps [[Biology:Plant|plant]]s to grow. Therefore, [[Biology:Reuse of excreta|urine can be used]] as a fertilizer. Some animals use it to [[Biology:Territory (animal)#Scent marking|mark their territories]]. Historically, aged or fermented urine (known as lant) was also used for [[Chemistry:Gunpowder|gunpowder]] production, household cleaning, tanning of leather and [[Chemistry:Dyeing|dyeing]] of textiles.

Human urine and [[Medicine:Human feces|feces]] are collectively referred to as [[Biology:Human waste|human waste]] or human excreta, and are managed via [[Engineering:Sanitation|sanitation]] systems. Livestock urine and feces also require proper management if the livestock population density is high.

==Physiology==
[[File:Harnstoff.svg|thumb|The chemical structure of urea]]
Most animals have [[Biology:Excretory system|excretory system]]s for elimination of soluble toxic wastes. In humans, soluble wastes are excreted primarily by the urinary system and, to a lesser extent in terms of [[Chemistry:Urea|urea]], removed by [[Medicine:Perspiration|perspiration]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Arthur C. Guyton|author2=John Edward Hall|title=Textbook of medical physiology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sTZHAQAAIAAJ|access-date=26 September 2011|year=2006|publisher=Elsevier Saunders|edition=11|isbn=978-0-8089-2317-6|chapter=25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526111029/http://books.google.com/books?id=sTZHAQAAIAAJ|archive-date=26 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, [[Biology:Urinary bladder|urinary bladder]], and urethra. The system produces urine by a process of [[Chemistry:Filtration|filtration]], [[Chemistry:Absorption|reabsorption]], and tubular secretion. The kidneys extract the soluble wastes from the bloodstream, as well as excess water, sugars, and a variety of other compounds. The resulting urine contains high concentrations of urea and other substances, including toxins. Urine flows from the kidneys through the ureter, bladder, and finally the urethra before passing from the body.

=== Duration ===
Research looking at the duration of urination in a range of [[Biology:Mammal|mammal]] species found that nine larger species urinated for 21 ± 13 seconds irrespective of body size.<ref name="Yang">{{cite journal|last1=Yang|first1=P. J.|last2=Pham|first2=J.|last3=Choo|first3=J.|last4=Hu|first4=D. L.|title=Duration of urination does not change with body size|journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences|date=26 June 2014|volume=111|issue=33|pages=11932–11937|doi=10.1073/pnas.1402289111|pmc=4143032|pmid=24969420|bibcode=2014PNAS..11111932Y|doi-access=free}}</ref> Smaller species, including [[Biology:Rodent|rodent]]s and [[Biology:Bat|bat]]s, cannot produce steady streams of urine and instead urinate with a series of drops.<ref name="Yang" />

==Characteristics==

===Quantity===
Average urine production in adult humans is around {{cvt|1.4|L}} of urine per person per day with a normal range of {{cvt|0.6 to 2.6|L}} per person per day, produced in around 6 to 8 urinations per day depending on state of hydration, activity level, environmental factors, weight, and the individual's health.<ref name="RoseParker2015">{{cite journal|last1=Rose|first1=C.|last2=Parker|first2=A.|last3=Jefferson|first3=B.|last4=Cartmell|first4=E.|year=2015|title=The Characterization of Feces and Urine: A Review of the Literature to Inform Advanced Treatment Technology|journal=Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology|volume=45|issue=17|pages=1827–1879|doi=10.1080/10643389.2014.1000761|issn=1064-3389|pmc=4500995|pmid=26246784|bibcode=2015CREST..45.1827R |doi-access=free}} [[File:CC-BY icon.svg|50px]] Text was copied from this source, which is available under a [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016050101/https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |date=2017-10-16 }}.</ref> Producing too much or too little urine needs medical attention. Polyuria is a condition of excessive production of urine (> 2.5 L/day), oliguria when < 400 mL are produced, and anuria being < 100 mL per day.

===Constituents===
[[File:Urine under the microscope.jpg|thumb|Urine under the microscope]]

About 91–96% of urine consists of water.<ref name="RoseParker2015" /> The remainder can be broadly characterized into inorganic salts, urea, organic compounds, and organic ammonium salts.<ref name="RoseParker2015" /><ref name=":0">Composition Of The Urine. (1872). ''The British Medical Journal'', ''1''(579), 133–133. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25231362 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318023343/https://www.jstor.org/stable/25231362 |date=2022-03-18 }}</ref> Urine also contains proteins, hormones, and a wide range of [[Biology:Metabolite|metabolite]]s,<ref name=":1">Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 26). What Is the Chemical Composition of Urine? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/the-chemical-composition-of-urine-603883 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028100119/https://www.thoughtco.com/the-chemical-composition-of-urine-603883 |date=2021-10-28 }}</ref> varying by what is introduced into the body.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

The total solids in urine are on average {{cvt|59|g}} per day per person.<ref name=":1" /> [[Chemistry:Urea|Urea]] is the largest constituent of the solids, constituting more than 50% of the total. The daily volume and composition of urine varies per person based on the amount of physical exertion, environmental conditions, as well as water, salt, and protein intakes.<ref name="RoseParker2015" /> In healthy persons, urine contains very little protein and an excess is suggestive of illness, as with sugar.<ref name=":1" /> Organic matter, in healthy persons, also is reported to at most 1.7 times more matter than minerals.<ref name=":0" /> However, any more than that is suggestive of illness.<ref name=":0" />
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Typical design values for the concentrations of constituents in fresh urine, based on data in Sweden and Switzerland<ref>{{cite book |last1=von Münch |first1=Elisabeth |last2=Winker |first2=Martina |title=Technology review of urine diversion components |date=May 2011 |publisher=Deutsche Gesellschaft fürInternationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH |page=12 |url=https://www.susana.org/_resources/documents/default/2-875-giz2011-en-technology-review-urine-diversion.pdf |access-date=2020-11-28 |archive-date=2020-10-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028103013/http://www.susana.org/_resources/documents/default/2-875-giz2011-en-technology-review-urine-diversion.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>{{rp|12}}<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Udert|first1=K.M.|last2=Larsen|first2=T.A.|last3=Gujer|first3=W.|date=2006-12-01|title=Fate of major compounds in source-separated urine|url=https://iwaponline.com/wst/article/54/11-12/413/13916/Fate-of-major-compounds-in-sourceseparated-urine|journal=Water Science and Technology|language=en|volume=54|issue=11–12|pages=413–420|doi=10.2166/wst.2006.921|pmid=17302346|issn=0273-1223|access-date=2021-08-02|archive-date=2022-03-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308032230/https://iwaponline.com/wst/article/54/11-12/413/13916/Fate-of-major-compounds-in-sourceseparated-urine|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! Parameter !! Value
|-
| pH || 6.2
|-
| Total nitrogen  || 8830&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Ammonium/ammonia-N  || 460&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Nitrate and nitrite  || 0.06&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Chemical oxygen demand  || 6000&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Total phosphorus || 800 – 2000&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Potassium  || 2740&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Sulphate  || 1500&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Sodium  || 3450&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Magnesium  || 120&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Chloride  || 4970&nbsp;mg/L
|-
| Calcium  || 230&nbsp;mg/L
|}
However, it is important to note that lesser amounts and concentrations of other compounds and [[Physics:Ion|ion]]s are often present in urination of humans.<ref name=":1" />

===Color===
[[File:P. 28 a chart showing urine colours and their meaning.jpg|thumb|Medical experts have long connected urine colour with certain medical conditions. A medieval chart showing the medical implications of different urine color]]

Urine varies in appearance, depending principally upon a body's level of [[Biology:Tissue hydration|hydration]], interactions with drugs, compounds and pigments or dyes found in food, or diseases.<ref name=":1" /> Normally, urine is a transparent solution ranging from colorless to amber, but is usually a pale yellow.<ref name=":1" /> Usually urination color comes primarily from the presence of [[Chemistry:Urobilin|urobilin]].<ref name="Voet">{{cite book |author1=John E. Hall |title=Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 13th edition |publisher=Elsevier |year=2016 |isbn=978-1455770052 |page=885 |chapter=The liver as an organ |author1-link=John E. Hall (science writer)}}</ref> Urobilin is a final waste product resulting from the breakdown of [[Biology:Heme|heme]] from [[Biology:Hemoglobin|hemoglobin]] during the destruction of aging blood cells.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

Colorless urine indicates over-hydration. Colorless urine in drug tests can suggest an attempt to avoid detection of illicit drugs in the bloodstream through over-hydration.

* Dark yellow urine is often indicative of dehydration.
* Yellowing is caused by [[Chemistry:Urobilin|urobilin]]. It is produced from [[Chemistry:Urobilinogen|urobilinogen]], which is the result of the bacterial enzyme bilirubin reductase breaking down [[Chemistry:Bilirubin|bilirubin]] released from dead red blood cells.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hall |first=Brantley |last2=Levy |first2=Sophia |last3=Dufault-Thompson |first3=Keith |last4=Arp |first4=Gabriela |last5=Zhong |first5=Aoshu |last6=Ndjite |first6=Glory Minabou |last7=Weiss |first7=Ashley |last8=Braccia |first8=Domenick |last9=Jenkins |first9=Conor |last10=Grant |first10=Maggie R. |last11=Abeysinghe |first11=Stephenie |last12=Yang |first12=Yiyan |last13=Jermain |first13=Madison D. |last14=Wu |first14=Chih Hao |last15=Ma |first15=Bing |date=January 2024 |title=BilR is a gut microbial enzyme that reduces bilirubin to urobilinogen |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-023-01549-x |journal=Nature Microbiology |language=en |volume=9 |issue=1 |pages=173–184 |doi=10.1038/s41564-023-01549-x |issn=2058-5276}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rayne |first=Elizabeth |date=2024-01-27 |title=Gotta go? We’ve finally found out what makes urine yellow |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/01/gotta-go-weve-finally-found-out-what-makes-urine-yellow/ |access-date=2024-01-28 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |language=en-us}}</ref>
* Certain medications such as rifampin and [[Chemistry:Phenazopyridine|phenazopyridine]] can cause orange urine.
* Bloody urine is termed [[Medicine:Hematuria|hematuria]], a symptom of a wide variety of medical conditions.
* Dark orange to brown urine can be a symptom of [[Medicine:Jaundice|jaundice]], [[Medicine:Rhabdomyolysis|rhabdomyolysis]], or [[Medicine:Gilbert's syndrome|Gilbert's syndrome]].
* Black or dark-colored urine is referred to as melanuria and may be caused by a [[Medicine:Melanoma|melanoma]] or non-melanin acute intermittent porphyria.
* Pinkish urine can result from the consumption of beets (beeturia)<ref name=":1" />
* Greenish urine can result from the consumption of [[Biology:Asparagus|asparagus]] or foods,{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} beverages with green pigments, or from a urinary tract infection.<ref name=":1" />
* Reddish or brown urine may be caused by [[Medicine:Porphyria|porphyria]] (not to be confused with the harmless,<ref name=":1" /> temporary pink or reddish tint caused by beeturia).
* Blue urine can be caused by the ingestion of [[Chemistry:Methylene blue|methylene blue]] (e.g., in medications) or foods or beverages with blue dyes.
* Blue urine stains can be caused by [[Medicine:Blue diaper syndrome|blue diaper syndrome]].
* Purple urine may be due to [[Medicine:Purple urine bag syndrome|purple urine bag syndrome]].

<gallery>
File:Dark urine due low fluid intake.jpg|Dark urine due to low fluid intake.
File:HematuriaGross.jpg|Dark red urine due to [[Biology:Blood|blood]] ([[Medicine:Hematuria|hematuria]]).
File:Choluria.svg|Dark red urine due to choluria.
File:Pinkish urine beetroots 1.jpg|Pinkish urine due to consumption of beetroots.
File:IMAG0466.jpg|Green urine during long term infusion of the sedative [[Chemistry:Propofol|propofol]].
</gallery>

===Odor===
Sometime after leaving the body, urine may acquire a strong "fish-like" odor because of contamination with bacteria that break down urea into [[Chemistry:Ammonia|ammonia]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} This odor is not present in fresh urine of healthy individuals; its presence may be a sign of a [[Medicine:Urinary tract infection|urinary tract infection]].{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}}

The odor of normal human urine can reflect what has been consumed or specific diseases.<ref name=":1" /> For example, an individual with diabetes mellitus may present a sweetened urine odor. This can be due to kidney diseases as well, such as [[Medicine:Kidney stone disease|kidney stones]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} Additionally, the presence of [[Chemistry:Amino acid|amino acid]]s in urine (diagnosed as [[Medicine:Maple syrup urine disease|maple syrup urine disease]]) can cause it to smell of maple syrup.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maple syrup urine disease |url=https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/maple-syrup-urine-disease/ |access-date=2022-06-10 |website=National Library of Medicine |language=en}}</ref>

Eating asparagus can cause a strong odor reminiscent of the vegetable caused by the body's breakdown of [[Chemistry:Asparagusic acid|asparagusic acid]].<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Lison M, Blondheim SH, Melmed RN | title = A polymorphism of the ability to smell urinary metabolites of asparagus | journal = Br Med J | volume = 281 | issue = 6256 | pages = 1676–8 | year = 1980 | pmid = 7448566 | pmc = 1715705 | doi = 10.1136/bmj.281.6256.1676 }}</ref> Likewise consumption of [[Biology:Saffron|saffron]], [[Chemistry:Ethanol|alcohol]], coffee, tuna fish, and [[Biology:Onion|onion]] can result in telltale scents.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://s-space.snu.ac.kr/bitstream/10371/124274/1/000000024821.pdf |title=Fate of Nitrogen in Urine Separated Toilet Systems |last=Hashemi |first=Shervin |date= |website=s-space.snu.ac.kr |publisher= |access-date=March 15, 2021 |quote="Likewise consumption of saffron, alcohol, coffee, tuna fish, and onion can result in telltale scents." |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727175010/https://s-space.snu.ac.kr/bitstream/10371/124274/1/000000024821.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Particularly spicy foods can have a similar effect, as their compounds pass through the kidneys without being fully broken down before exiting the body.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Stefan Gates|author2=Max La Riviere-Hedrick|title=Gastronaut: adventures in food for the romantic, the foolhardy, and the brave|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dlSXXguGw9UC&pg=PA87|access-date=27 April 2011|date=15 March 2006|publisher=Houghton Mifflin Harcourt|isbn=978-0-15-603097-7|pages=87–|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526060911/http://books.google.com/books?id=dlSXXguGw9UC&pg=PA87|archive-date=26 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110713222322/http://www.livestrong.com/article/248141-foods-that-affect-the-odor-of-urine/ Foods that Affect the Odor of Urine]. ''livestrong.com''. December 27, 2010.</ref>

===pH===<!-- Urine pH redirects here -->
The [[Chemistry:PH|pH]] normally is within the range of 5.5 to 7 with an average of 6.2.<ref name="RoseParker2015" /> In persons with hyperuricosuria, acidic urine can contribute to the formation of [[Medicine:Calculus|stones]] of [[Chemistry:Uric acid|uric acid]] in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder.<ref name="pmid11676906">{{cite journal | vauthors = Martín Hernández E, Aparicio López C, Alvarez Calatayud G, García Herrera MA | title = [Vesical uric acid lithiasis in a child with renal hypouricemia] | language = es | journal = An. Esp. Pediatr. | volume = 55 | issue = 3 | pages = 273–6 | year = 2001 | pmid = 11676906 | url = http://db.doyma.es/cgi-bin/wdbcgi.exe/doyma/mrevista.pubmed_full?inctrl=05ZI0103&rev=37&vol=55&num=3&pag=273 | access-date = 2008-12-25 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090327023934/http://db.doyma.es/cgi-bin/wdbcgi.exe/doyma/mrevista.pubmed_full?inctrl=05ZI0103&rev=37&vol=55&num=3&pag=273 | archive-date = 2009-03-27 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Urine pH can be monitored by a physician or at home.<ref>
{{cite web
|title=Urine pH
|publisher=MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
|access-date=December 26, 2008
|url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/MEDLINEPLUS/ency/article/003583.htm
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217080951/http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003583.htm
|archive-date=December 17, 2008
|url-status=live
}}</ref>

A diet which is high in protein from meat and dairy, as well as alcohol consumption can reduce urine pH, whilst potassium and organic acids, such as from diets high in fruit and vegetables, can increase the pH and make it more alkaline.<ref name="RoseParker2015" />

Cranberries, popularly thought to decrease the pH of urine, have actually been shown not to acidify urine.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Avorn J, Monane M, Gurwitz JH, Glynn RJ, Choodnovskiy I, Lipsitz LA | title = Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria after ingestion of cranberry juice | journal = JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association | volume = 271 | issue = 10 | pages = 751–4 | year = 1994 | pmid = 8093138 | quote = We did not find evidence that urinary acidification was responsible for the observed effect, since the median pH of urine samples in the cranberry group (6.0) was actually higher than that in the experimental group (5.5). While cranberry juice has been advocated as a urinary acidifier to prevent urinary tract infections, not all studies have shown a reduction in urine pH with cranberry juice ingestion, even with consumption of 2000 mL per day. | doi=10.1001/jama.1994.03510340041031}}</ref> Drugs that can decrease urine pH include [[Chemistry:Ammonium chloride|ammonium chloride]], chlorothiazide diuretics, and methenamine mandelate.<ref>[https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003583.htm Urine pH: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609191020/https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003583.htm |date=2016-06-09 }}. Nlm.nih.gov (2011-03-28). Retrieved on 2011-04-27.</ref><ref>[http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/urine-ph-dictionary.htm Discovery Health "Urine PH – Medical Dictionary"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330053350/http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/urine-ph-dictionary.htm |date=2010-03-30 }}. Healthguide.howstuffworks.com (2007-05-16). Retrieved on 2011-04-27.</ref>

=== Density ===
Human urine has a specific gravity of 1.003–1.035.<ref name="RoseParker2015" />

=== Bacteria and pathogens ===
Urine is not sterile, not even in the bladder.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hilt|first=Evann E.|author2=Kathleen McKinley|author3=Meghan M. Pearce|author4=Amy B. Rosenfeld|author5=Michael J. Zilliox|author6=Elizabeth R. Mueller|author7=Linda Brubaker|author8=Xiaowu Gai|author9=Alan J. Wolfe|date=26 December 2013|title=Urine Is Not Sterile: Use of Enhanced Urine Culture Techniques To Detect Resident Bacterial Flora in the Adult Female Bladder|journal=Journal of Clinical Microbiology|volume=52|issue=3|pages=871–876|doi=10.1128/JCM.02876-13|pmc=3957746|author10=Paul C. Schreckenberger|pmid=24371246}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/gory-details/urine-not-sterile-and-neither-rest-you|title=Urine is not sterile, and neither is the rest of you|last1=Engelhaupt|first1=Erika|date=22 May 2014|website=Science News|language=en|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622083801/https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/gory-details/urine-not-sterile-and-neither-rest-you|archive-date=22 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In the urethra, [[Biology:Epithelium|epithelial cells]] lining the urethra are colonized by [[Biology:Facultative anaerobic organism|facultatively anaerobic]] [[Biology:Gram-negative bacteria|Gram-negative rod and cocci bacteria]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Michael T. Madigan|author2=Thomas D. Brock|title=Brock biology of microorganisms|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=12aWQAAACAAJ|access-date=10 September 2011|year=2009|publisher=Pearson/Benjamin Cummings|isbn=978-0-13-232460-1}}</ref> One study conducted in Nigeria isolated a total of 77 distinct bacterial strains from 100 healthy children (ages 5–11) as well as 39 strains from 33 cow urine samples, a considerable amount being pathogens.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Ogunshe |first1=Adenike Adedayo O. |last2=Fawole |first2=Abosede Oyeyemi |last3=Ajayi |first3=Victoria Abosede |date=2010-05-25 |title=Microbial evaluation and public health implications of urine as alternative therapy in clinical pediatric cases: health implication of urine therapy |journal=The Pan African Medical Journal |volume=5 |pages=12 |doi=10.4314/pamj.v5i1.56188 |issn=1937-8688 |pmc=3032614 |pmid=21293739 }}</ref> Pathogens identified and their percentages were:
{| class="wikitable"
|+Bacterial isolates in human urine and cows' <ref name=":2" />
!Humans aged 5–11 
!Bacterial percentage in humans
!Bacterial percentage in cows
|-
|[[Biology:Bacillus|Bacillus]]
|10.4%
|5.1%
|-
|[[Biology:Staphylococcus|Staphylococcus]]
|2.6%
|2.6%
|-
|[[Biology:Citrobacter|Citrobacter]] 
|3.9%
|12.8%
|-
|[[Biology:Klebsiella|Klebsiella]]
|7.8%
|12.8%
|-
|[[Biology:Escherichia coli|Escherichia coli]] 
|36.4%
|23.1%
|-
|[[Biology:Proteus (bacterium)|Proteus]]
|18.2%
|23.1%
|-
|[[Biology:Pseudomonas|Pseudomonas]]
|9.1%
|2.6%
|-
|[[Biology:Salmonella|Salmonella]]
|3.9%
|5.1%
|-
|[[Biology:Shigella|Shigella]]
|7.8%
|12.8%
|}
The study also states:
{{Blockquote|text=Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) rates recorded in children urinal bacterial species were 37.5–100% (Gram-positive) and 12.5–100% (Gram-negative), while MAR among the cow urinal bacteria was 12.5–75.0% (Gram-positive) and 25.0–100% (Gram-negative).|title=[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3032614/&#124; Microbial evaluation and public health implications of urine as alternative therapy in clinical pediatric cases: health implication of urine therapy]}}

==Examination for medical purposes==
[[File:Bigot, Trophime - A Doctor Examining Urine.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|right|''A Doctor Examining Urine''. Trophime Bigot.]]

Many physicians in ancient history resorted to the inspection and examination of the urine of their patients. [[Biography:Hermogenes (philosopher)|Hermogenes]] wrote about the color and other attributes of urine as indicators of certain diseases. Abdul Malik Ibn Habib of Andalusia ({{abbr|d.|died}} 862 AD) mentions numerous reports of urine examination throughout the Umayyad empire.<ref>Ibn Habib, Abdul Malik d.862CE/283AH "Kitaab Tib Al'Arab" (The Book of Arabian Medicine), Published by Dar Ibn Hazm, Beirut, Lebanon 2007(Arabic)</ref> [[Medicine:Diabetes mellitus|Diabetes mellitus]] got its name because the urine is plentiful and sweet.<ref>Ahmed A. M. (2002). [https://web.archive.org/web/20210608192713/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11953758/ History of diabetes mellitus]. ''Saudi medical journal'', ''23''(4), 373–378.</ref> The name ''uroscopy'' refers to any visual examination of the urine,<ref>Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Uroscopy. In ''Merriam-Webster.com medical dictionary''. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/uroscopy {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318041116/https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/uroscopy |date=2022-03-18 }}</ref> including [[Biology:Microscopy|microscopy]], although it often refers to the aforementioned prescientific or Proto-scientific forms of urine examination. Clinical urine tests today duly note the color, turbidity, and odor of urine but also include urinalysis, which chemically analyzes the urine and [[Philosophy:Quantification (science)|quantifies]] its constituents. A [[Biology:Microbiological culture|culture]] of the urine is performed when a [[Medicine:Urinary tract infection|urinary tract infection]] is suspected, as [[Medicine:Bacteriuria|bacteriuria]] without symptoms does not require treatment.<ref>Köves, B; Cai, T; Veeratterapillay, R; Pickard, R; Seisen, T; Lam, TB; Yuan, CY; Bruyere, F; Wagenlehner, F; Bartoletti, R; Geerlings, SE; Pilatz, A; Pradere, B; Hofmann, F; Bonkat, G; Wullt, B (25 July 2017). "Benefits and Harms of Treatment of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis by the European Association of Urology Urological Infection Guidelines Panel". ''European Urology''. '''72''' (6): 865–868. {{doi|10.1016/j.eururo.2017.07.014.}} PMID 28754533.</ref> A microscopic examination of the urine may be helpful to identify organic or inorganic substrates and help in the diagnosis.

The color and volume of urine can be reliable indicators of hydration level. Clear and copious urine is generally a sign of adequate hydration. Dark urine is a sign of [[Medicine:Dehydration|dehydration]]. The exception occurs when diuretics are consumed, in which case urine can be clear and copious and the person still be dehydrated.

== Uses ==
[[File:Urine collection in Ede, Netherlands (2920690579).jpg|thumb|Urine of pregnant women in the first trimester is collected by a company which purifies the fertility hormone [[Chemistry:Human chorionic gonadotropin|hCG]] from it (Ede, the Netherlands)]]

===Source of medications===
Urine contains proteins and other substances that are useful for medical therapy and are ingredients in many prescription drugs (e.g., Ureacin, Urecholine, Urowave).{{Citation needed|date=March 2013}} Urine from [[Medicine:Menopause|postmenopausal]] women is rich in [[Biology:Gonadotropin|gonadotropin]]s that can yield follicle stimulating hormone and [[Biology:Luteinizing hormone|luteinizing hormone]] for fertility therapy.<ref name="books.google.ca">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lcBEheiufVcC&q=urine-derived+gonadotropins&pg=PA489|last1=Carrell|first1=D.T.|last2=Peterson|first2=C.M. (eds.)|date=2010|title=Artificial insemination: intrauterine insemination. 31.3.1.2 Gonadotropins|page=489|location=New York, New York|publisher=Springer|doi=10.1007/978-1-4419-1436-1|access-date=2013-03-26|isbn=9781441914361|archive-date=2022-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407103426/https://books.google.com/books?id=lcBEheiufVcC&q=urine-derived+gonadotropins&pg=PA489|url-status=live}}</ref> One such commercial product is Pergonal.<ref>[Adelson, Andrea. Wall Street; A Fertility Drug Grows Scarce. https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/26/business/wall-street-a-fertility-drug-grows-scarce.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901211028/http://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/26/business/wall-street-a-fertility-drug-grows-scarce.html |date=2017-09-01 }} New York Times 1995-02-26 Retrieved 2013-03-27.].</ref>

Urine from pregnant women contains enough [[Chemistry:Human chorionic gonadotropin|human chorionic gonadotropin]]s for commercial extraction and purification to produce hCG medication. Pregnant mare urine is the source of [[Biology:Estrogen|estrogen]]s, namely Premarin.<ref name="books.google.ca" /> Urine also contains [[Biology:Antibody|antibodies]], which can be used in diagnostic antibody tests for a range of [[Biology:Pathogen|pathogen]]s, including [[Biology:HIV|HIV]]-1.<ref>[http://www.clinchem.org/cgi/content/abstract/45/9/1602 Urine Antibody Tests: New Insights into the Dynamics of HIV-1 Infection – Urnovitz et al. 45 (9): 1602 – Clinical Chemistry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725181017/http://www.clinchem.org/cgi/content/abstract/45/9/1602 |date=2011-07-25 }}. Clinchem.org. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.</ref>
[[File:Urine after 4 months (28 June) (2957323941).jpg|thumb|Urine after four months of storage (note the color and turbidity change compared to fresh human urine). During storage, the urea in urine is rapidly hydrolyzed by urease, creating ammonia. Collected urine can be used as a fertilizer.]]
[[File:Fresh Urine (Day 0; 24 March) (2957323823).jpg|thumb|Fresh human urine after excretion]]

Urine can also be used to produce [[Chemistry:Urokinase|urokinase]], which is used clinically as a thrombolytic agent.{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

===Fertilizer===
{{excerpt|Reuse of human excreta#Urine|section=Urine as a fertilizer|files=no}}

===Cleaning===
Given that urea in urine breaks down into ammonia, urine has been used for cleaning. In pre-industrial times, urine was used – in the form of ''lant'' or aged urine – as a cleaning fluid.<ref>Sueton, Vespasian 23 [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html#23 English] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713102257/https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian%2A.html#23 |date=2021-07-13 }}, [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/L/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html#23 Latin] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417022924/https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/L/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian%2A.html#23 |date=2022-04-17 }}. Cf. Dio Cassius, ''Roman History'', Book 65, chapter 14,5 [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html#14 English] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417022924/https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65%2A.html#14 |date=2022-04-17 }}, [http://remacle.org/bloodwolf/historiens/Dion/livre66.htm Greek/French (66, 14)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326004005/http://remacle.org/bloodwolf/historiens/Dion/livre66.htm |date=2013-03-26 }}</ref> Urine was also used for [[Unsolved:Urine therapy#Rome|whitening teeth in Ancient Rome]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Geissberger |first=Marc |title=Esthetic Dentistry in Clinical Practice |publisher=John Wiley & Son |year=2010 |isbn=9780813828251 |pages=6 |language=en}}</ref>

===Gunpowder===
{{Main|Chemistry:Potassium nitrate}}
Urine was used before the development of a [[Engineering:Chemical industry|chemical industry]] in the manufacture of [[Chemistry:Gunpowder|gunpowder]]. Urine, a nitrogen source, was used to moisten straw or other organic material, which was kept moist and allowed to rot for several months to over a year. The resulting [[Chemistry:Salt|salts]] were washed from the heap with water, which was evaporated to allow collection of crude saltpeter crystals, that were usually refined before being used in making gunpowder.<ref name="LeConte"><!-- this ref is also used in the potassium nitrate article -->{{cite book | url = http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/lecontesalt/leconte.html | title = Instructions for the Manufacture of Saltpeter | author = Joseph LeConte | publisher = South Carolina Military Department; printer: Charles P. Pelham | location = Columbia, S.C. | page = 14 | year = 1862 | access-date = 2007-10-19 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013174033/http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/lecontesalt/leconte.html | archive-date = 2007-10-13 | url-status = live }}</ref>

===Survival uses===
{{Transclude lead excerpt|Urophagia}}

The ''US Army Field Manual'' advises {{em|against}} drinking urine for survival. The manual explains that drinking urine tends to worsen rather than relieve dehydration due to the salts in it, and that urine should not be consumed in a survival situation, even when there is no other fluid available. In hot weather survival situations, where other sources of water are not available, soaking cloth (a shirt for example) in urine and putting it on the head can help cool the body.<ref>[http://www.equipped.com/21-76/ch6.pdf Water Procurement] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612013729/http://www.equipped.com/21-76/ch6.pdf|date=2009-06-12}}, US Army Field Manual</ref>

During [[Social:World War I|World War I]], Germans experimented with numerous poisonous gases as weapons. After the first German [[Chemistry:Chlorine|chlorine]] gas attacks, Allied troops were supplied with masks of cotton pads that had been soaked in urine. It was believed that the [[Chemistry:Ammonia|ammonia]] in the pad neutralized the chlorine. These pads were held over the face until the soldiers could escape from the poisonous fumes.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

[[Social:Urban legend|Urban legend]] states that urine works well against [[Biology:Jellyfish|jellyfish]] stings.<ref>Castillo, M. (2017, June 20). Don't Pee On A Jellyfish Sting — It Won't Work | LittleThings.com. Littlethings. https://littlethings.com/entertainment/jellyfish-sting-news</ref> This scenario has appeared many times in popular culture including in the ''Friends'' episode "The One With the Jellyfish", an early episode of ''Survivor'', as well as the films ''The Real Cancun'' (2003), ''The Heartbreak Kid'' (2007) and ''The Paperboy'' (2012). However, at best it is ineffective, and in some cases this treatment may make the injury worse.<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=2283933&page=1 Old Wives' Tale? Urine as Jellyfish Sting Remedy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070915085752/https://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=2283933&page=1 |date=2007-09-15 }}. ABC News (2006-08-08). Retrieved on 2011-04-27.</ref><ref>[http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa004&articleID=EEC8FE59-E7F2-99DF-3F08DA1A6F42454F&ref=rss Fact or Fiction?: Urinating on a Jellyfish Sting is an Effective Treatment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011104056/http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?chanID=sa004&articleID=EEC8FE59-E7F2-99DF-3F08DA1A6F42454F&ref=rss |date=2007-10-11 }}. Scientific American. 4 January 2007. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.</ref><ref>[http://firstaid.about.com/od/bitesstings/ht/06_jellyfish.htm Jellyfish Sting Treatment – How to Treat a Jellyfish Sting] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929064844/http://firstaid.about.com/od/bitesstings/ht/06_jellyfish.htm |date=2008-09-29 }}. Firstaid.about.com. 22 August 2010. Retrieved on 2011-04-27.</ref>

===Textiles===
Urine has often been used as a [[Engineering:Mordant|mordant]] to help prepare textiles, especially wool, for dyeing. In the Scottish Highlands and Hebrides, the process of "waulking" (fulling) woven wool is preceded by soaking in urine, preferably infantile.<ref>Mentioned by an interviewee in ''Lomax the Songhunter'', a 2004 documentary film.</ref>

===Animal repellent===
The urine of predator species is often used as a [[Earth:Animal repellent|repellent]] against their prey species.<ref>Swihart, Robert K., Joseph J. Pignatello, and Mary Jane I. Mattina. [https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mary-Mattina/publication/258824627_Aversive_responses_of_white-tailed_deer_Odocoileus_virginianus_to_predator_urines/links/0deec522f3633123b6000000/Aversive-responses-of-white-tailed-deer-Odocoileus-virginianus-to-predator-urines.pdf "Aversive responses of white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, to predator urines."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018165727/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mary-Mattina/publication/258824627_Aversive_responses_of_white-tailed_deer_Odocoileus_virginianus_to_predator_urines/links/0deec522f3633123b6000000/Aversive-responses-of-white-tailed-deer-Odocoileus-virginianus-to-predator-urines.pdf |date=2021-10-18 }} Journal of chemical ecology 17.4 (1991): 767-777.</ref> Urine plays a role in interspecific communication, since it contains semiochemicals that can act as [[Biology:Kairomone|kairomone]]s.<ref>{{Cite journal|doi = 10.3389/fnins.2015.00363|doi-access = free|title = The scent of wolves: Pyrazine analogs induce avoidance and vigilance behaviors in prey|year = 2015|last1 = Osada|first1 = Kazumi|last2 = Miyazono|first2 = Sadaharu|last3 = Kashiwayanagi|first3 = Makoto|journal = Frontiers in Neuroscience|volume = 9|page = 363|pmid = 26500485|pmc = 4595651}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Jesus-College-MS-111 00470 235v (cropped) Ansoddau'r Trwnc.jpg|thumb|left|Medieval [[Social:Welsh language|Welsh]] text from the ''Red Book of Hergest'' on uroscopy, called {{lang|cy|Ansoddau'r Trwnc}} (the 'Qualities of Urine'). Opening lines (translated):{{pb}} "Since it is through the qualities of the urine that a person's faults and his dangers and his diseases and his illness can be identified..."]]
[[File:De urinarum differencia negocium between 1210 and 1230 ..JPG|thumb|Image of two facing pages of the illuminated manuscript of "Isagoge", fols. 42b and 43a. On the top of the left hand page is an illuminated letter "D" – initial of {{lang|la|De urinarum differencia negocium}} ('The matter of the differences of urines'). Inside the letter is a picture of a master on bench pointing at a raised flask while lecturing on the "Book on urines" of Theophilus. The right hand page is only shown in part. On its very bottom is an illuminated letter "U" – initial of {{lang|la|Urina ergo est colamentum sanguinis}} ('Urine is the filtrate of the blood'). Inside the letter is a picture of a master holding up a flask while explaining the diagnostic significance of urine to a student or a patient. HMD Collection, MS E 78.]]

The fermentation of urine by bacteria produces a [[Chemistry:Ammonia solution|solution of ammonia]]; hence fermented urine was used in Classical Antiquity to wash cloth and clothing, to remove hair from hides in preparation for tanning, to serve as a [[Engineering:Mordant|mordant]] in dying cloth, and to remove rust from iron.<ref>See:
*  Forbes, R.J., ''Studies in Ancient Technology'', vol. 5, 2nd ed. (Leiden, Netherlands:  E.J. Brill, 1966), pp. [https://books.google.com/books?id=Zqg3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA19 19] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705012715/https://books.google.com/books?id=Zqg3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA19 |date=2021-07-05 }}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Zqg3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA48 48] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705011945/https://books.google.com/books?id=Zqg3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA48 |date=2021-07-05 }}, and [https://books.google.com/books?id=Zqg3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA65 65] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705012702/https://books.google.com/books?id=Zqg3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA65 |date=2021-07-05 }}.
*  Moeller, Walter O., ''The Wool Trade of Ancient Pompeii'' (Leiden, Netherlands:  E.J. Brill, 1976), [https://books.google.com/books?id=g7wUAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA20 p. 20.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705013437/https://books.google.com/books?id=g7wUAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA20 |date=2021-07-05 }}
*  Faber, G.A. (pseudonym of: Goldschmidt, Günther) (May 1938) "Dyeing and tanning in classical antiquity," ''Ciba Review'', '''9''' : 277–312. Available at:  [http://www.elizabethancostume.net/cibas/ciba9.html Elizabethan Costume] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126083642/http://www.elizabethancostume.net/cibas/ciba9.html |date=2021-01-26 }}
*  Smith, William, ''A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities'' (London, England: John Murray, 1875), article: "Fullo" (i.e., fullers or launderers), [https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.hneuvp;view=1up;seq=570 pp. 551–553.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705050703/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.hneuvp;view=1up;seq=570 |date=2021-07-05 }}
*  Rousset, Henri (31 March 1917) [https://books.google.com/books?id=WB4uWYU5V20C&pg=PA197 "The laundries of the Ancients,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705012714/https://books.google.com/books?id=WB4uWYU5V20C&pg=PA197 |date=2021-07-05 }} ''Scientific American Supplement'', '''83''' (2152) :  197.
*  Bond, Sarah E., ''Trade and Taboo: Disreputable Professions in the Roman Mediterranean'' (Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Press, 2016), [https://books.google.com/books?id=HIxfDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA112 p. 112.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705013436/https://books.google.com/books?id=HIxfDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA112 |date=2021-07-05 }}
*  Binz, Arthur (1936) "Altes und Neues über die technische Verwendung des Harnes" (Ancient and modern [information] about the technological use of urine), ''Zeitschrift für Angewandte Chemie'', '''49''' (23) :  355–360.  [in German]
*  Witty, Michael (December 2016) "Ancient Roman urine chemistry," ''Acta Archaeologica'', '''87''' (1) : 179–191. Witty speculates that the Romans obtained ammonia in concentrated form by adding wood ash (impure [[Chemistry:Potassium carbonate|potassium carbonate]]) to urine that had been fermented for several hours. [[Chemistry:Struvite|Struvite]] (magnesium ammonium phosphate) is thereby precipitated, and the yield of struvite can be increased by then treating the solution with [[Chemistry:Bittern (salt)|bittern]], a magnesium-rich solution that is a byproduct of making salt from sea water. Roasting struvite releases ammonia vapors.</ref> [[History:Ancient Rome|Ancient Romans]] used fermented human urine (in the form of lant) to cleanse grease stains from clothing.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa031303a.htm |title=Hygiene in Ancient Rome |access-date=2010-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018214357/http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa031303a.htm |archive-date=2010-10-18 |url-status=live }}</ref> The emperor [[Biography:Nero|Nero]] instituted a tax ({{lang-la|vectigal urinae}}) on the urine industry, continued by his successor, Vespasian. The Latin saying {{lang|la|Pecunia non olet}} ('money does not smell') is attributed to Vespasian – said to have been his reply to a complaint from his [[Biography:Titus|son]] about the unpleasant nature of the tax. Vespasian's name is still attached to public urinals in France ({{lang|fr|vespasiennes}}), Italy ({{lang|it|vespasiani}}), and Romania ({{lang|ro|vespasiene}}).

[[Philosophy:Alchemy|Alchemists]] spent much time trying to extract gold from urine, which led to discoveries such as white phosphorus by German alchemist [[Biography:Hennig Brand|Hennig Brand]] when distilling fermented urine in 1669. In 1773 the French chemist Hilaire Rouelle discovered the organic compound [[Chemistry:Urea|urea]] by boiling urine dry.

== Language ==
The English word ''urine'' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|juː|r|ᵻ|n}}, {{IPAc-en|ˈ|j|ɜːr|ᵻ|n}}) comes from the [[Social:Latin|Latin]] {{lang|la|urina}} (''-ae'', ''f''.), which is cognate with ancient words in various [[Social:Indo-European languages|Indo-European languages]] that concern water, liquid, diving, rain, and urination (for example Sanskrit {{transliteration|sa|varṣati}} meaning 'it rains' or {{transliteration|sa|vār}} meaning 'water' and Greek {{transliteration|grc|ourein}} meaning 'to urinate').<ref>"urine," ''Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary'', https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urine {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318040903/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urine |date=2022-03-18 }}. Accessed 3/17/2022.</ref> The onomatopoetic term ''piss'' predates the word ''urine'', but is now considered vulgar.<ref name=":3">Harper, D. (n.d.). Etymology of piss. Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://www.etymonline.com/word/piss {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318040903/https://www.etymonline.com/word/piss |date=2022-03-18 }}</ref><ref>"piss," ''Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary'', https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piss {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805074709/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piss |date=2021-08-05 }}. Accessed 3/17/2022.</ref> ''Urinate'' was at first used mostly in medical contexts.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} ''Piss'' is also used in such colloquialisms as ''to piss off'',<ref name=":3" /> ''piss poor'', and the slang expression ''pissing down'' to mean heavy rain. [[Social:Euphemism|Euphemism]]s and [[Social:Baby talk|expressions used between parents and children]] (such as ''wee'', ''pee'', and many others) have long existed.

''Lant'' is a word for aged urine, originating from the [[Social:Old English|Old English]] word {{lang|ang|hland}} referring to urine in general.

==See also==
* Drinking urine (urophagia)
* Ureotelic
* [[Unsolved:Urine therapy|Urine therapy]]
* Urolagnia, an attraction to urine

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www-medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/URINE/URINE.html Urinanalysis] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070117124829/http://www-medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/URINE/URINE.html |date=2007-01-17 }} at the University of Utah Eccles Health Sciences Library
* [https://www.drugs.com/enc/urine-chemistry.html Urine Chemistry] at drugs.com



[[Category:Animal physiology]]
[[Category:Body fluids]]

{{Sourceattribution|Urine}}