nephrology

noun

ne·​phrol·​o·​gy ni-ˈfrä-lə-jē How to pronounce nephrology (audio)
: a branch of medicine concerned with the kidneys
nephrologist
ni-ˈfrä-lə-jist How to pronounce nephrology (audio)
noun

Examples of nephrology in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For the past two years, Lilyana had also sought answers for the debilitating but persistent pain on her right side, visiting specialists in OB/GYN, pain management, orthopedics, neurology, urology and nephrology, among others. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026 This matters because nephrology as a specialty has had very few genuinely disease-modifying options for diabetic kidney disease. — Jesse M. Pines, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Dennis Moledina encountered a common problem during his training in nephrology, the specialty dedicated to kidney health. — Jyoti Madhusoodanan, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026 According to Larry Cowgill, a professor of veterinary nephrology at the University of California at Davis, even pollen, stamens and petals that drop from shelves can be toxic. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nephrology

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nephrology was circa 1842

Rhymes for nephrology

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Browse Nearby Words

nephrolithic
nephrology
nephromixium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nephrology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nephrology. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

nephrology

noun
ne·​phrol·​o·​gy ni-ˈfräl-ə-jē How to pronounce nephrology (audio)
plural nephrologies
: a medical specialty concerned with the kidneys and especially with their structure, functions, or diseases

More from Merriam-Webster on nephrology

Nglish: Translation of nephrology for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nephrology

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