Creatinine Meaning and Definition
Creatinine
Pronunciation
/krɪˈtɪniːn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A waste product that is produced by the breakdown of muscle tissue in the body, primarily in the kidneys, which can be measured in the blood to monitor kidney function and diagnose kidney damage.
Examples
- The doctor ordered a blood test to check creatinine levels in the patient’s blood.
- Creatinine levels in the blood are an indicator of kidney function.
Synonyms
- Kidney failure
Antonyms
- Kidney function
- Renal health
Etymology
The word “Creatinine” comes from the Greek words “kreas” meaning flesh and “nine” meaning to form, referring to the muscle tissue from which it is derived.
Usage Notes
Creatinine is typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and normal levels can vary depending on age, sex, and kidney function.
Additional Information
Creatinine is a sensitive indicator of kidney function and can be used to diagnose kidney damage, monitor disease progression, and guide treatment decisions. Elevated creatinine levels in the blood can indicate kidney disease, while decreased levels may indicate kidney dysfunction or damage.
Cultural References
Creatinine has been mentioned in various medical and scientific contexts, including textbooks, research articles, and online health resources.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Related Words or Phrases
- Kidney function
- Renal health
Collocations
- Creatinine levels
- Blood test
Creatinine is a relatively infrequent term in everyday language, but it is commonly used in medical and scientific contexts to discuss kidney function and disease.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of Creatinine include Creatina, Creatine, and Creatinin.