Pronunciation: [kˈɪdnɪz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "kidneys" is quite straightforward. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is pronounced as /ˈkɪdniːz/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by "d" and "n" sounds. The "eys" at the end is pronounced with a long "e" sound, similar to the word "keys". The kidneys are a vital organ responsible for filtering waste and maintaining fluid balance in the body.
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. With a reddish-brown color, the kidneys are approximately 11 cm (4.5 inches) long and 6 cm (2.5 inches) wide. Their main function is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream, producing urine as a result. Apart from waste elimination, the kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure, balancing electrolytes in the body, and producing important hormones that influence red blood cell production and bone health.
Each kidney consists of millions of tiny structures called nephrons, which are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste products. Blood flows into the kidneys through the renal arteries, where it is filtered and waste products, such as urea and excess water, are removed. The filtered blood is then returned to circulation through the renal veins.
The kidneys also help maintain the balance of various substances in the body, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and pH levels. Through selective reabsorption, the kidneys regulate the levels of these substances by either returning them to the bloodstream or excreting them in the urine.
In addition, the kidneys produce several hormones, including erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells, and renin, which helps regulate blood pressure. These hormones are essential for maintaining overall health and homeostasis within the body.
Overall, the kidneys play a fundamental role in maintaining bodily functions by filtering waste products, regulating fluid and electrolyte balance, and producing essential hormones.
One of two oblong flattened bodies lying behind the intestines of an animal which secrete the urine; disposition or habits, as “a man of my kidneyâ€.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "kidneys" is derived from the Middle English word "kidnei", which originally referred to the organ itself. The term "kidnēow" in Old English shared a similar meaning. Both of these words come from the Old English word "cwiðenēowe", which combines "cwiðen" (meaning "womb" or "belly") and "ēowe" (referring to "shape" or "form"). This likely reflects the visual resemblance of the kidney to a womb or belly. Over time, the term evolved into "kidneys" as it is commonly used today.
