Hippuria is a medical term used to describe the presence of hippuric acid in urine. The word is spelled as /hɪˈpuːrɪə/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a "p" sound and a long "oo" sound. The second syllable starts with a short "i" sound followed by a "r" and an unstressed vowel sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a long "a" sound. Proper spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are important in ensuring clear communication between healthcare professionals.
Hippuria refers to a genus of fossilized sea urchin spines that were prevalent during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs, approximately 66 to 34 million years ago. The term "hippuria" is derived from the Greek word "hippos," meaning horse, due to the spine's resemblance to a horse's hoof.
These spines serve as a defining characteristic of the genus Hippuria and are commonly found scattered in marine sedimentary rocks and fossil deposits across various regions globally. Hippuria can be distinguished by its unique shape, typically resembling an elongated hollow cone with a wide base tapering into a narrower tip. The spines are typically smooth, although some species may exhibit ridges or other additional features.
Hippuria spines were likely part of the organism's skeletal support system, functioning to protect the sea urchin and assist with mobility. These structures are classified as echinoderm microfossils and are valuable for paleontological studies, aiding in the identification and classification of ancient marine environments. In addition to their scientific importance, Hippuria spines also hold significance in the world of paleoart and fossil collectibles, with enthusiasts and collectors seeking well-preserved specimens for their aesthetic value.
Overall, hippuria refers to a genus of ancient sea urchin spines that were abundant during the Paleocene and Eocene epochs, serving as important fossils for scientific research and exhibiting distinct features that differentiate them from other marine spine varieties.
The presence of a large amount of hippuric acid in the urine, as occurs sometimes in diabetes mellitus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.