Glomerular

/ɡloʊˈmɛrjələr/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or resembling a glomerulus, especially the tiny filtering units in the kidneys that filter blood to form urine.

Etymology

From Latin glomus 'ball,' with the diminutive -ulus creating glomerulus, plus the adjective suffix -ar. Medical term widely used since the 1800s.

Kelly Says

Your kidneys have about one million glomeruli, and each one filters about 180 liters of blood daily—if even a few stop working (glomerulonephritis), it can cause kidney failure, which is why kidney disease is so serious.

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