Genitourinary

/dʒɛnɪtoʊˈjʊrɪneri/ adjective

Definition

Relating to both the genital and urinary systems together, especially in medical contexts.

Etymology

Compound of 'genital' (from Latin 'genitus') and 'urinary' (from Latin 'urinarius'). This medical term was created because these two systems are closely connected anatomically and often treated together by doctors.

Kelly Says

Doctors shortened this to 'GU' because 'genitourinary' is such a mouthful—it's a great example of how medical language creates these super-specific compound terms, then doctors just abbreviate them in their notes!

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