antidiuretic hormone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “antidiuretic hormone” mean?
A hormone that reduces urine production by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hormone that reduces urine production by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Also known as vasopressin, it is a peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland; it plays a key role in regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, and osmoregulation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences; the term is standardised in medical and scientific English.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally frequent and essential in medical/academic discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “antidiuretic hormone” in a Sentence
The hypothalamus secretes antidiuretic hormone.ADH acts on the kidneys.A deficiency in antidiuretic hormone leads to diabetes insipidus.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “antidiuretic hormone” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- n/a
American English
- n/a
adverb
British English
- n/a
American English
- n/a
adjective
British English
- The patient had an antidiuretic hormone deficiency.
- They measured the antidiuretic hormone response.
American English
- An antidiuretic hormone assay was ordered.
- The drug has an antidiuretic hormone-like effect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
n/a
Academic
Essential in biology, physiology, and medical research papers.
Everyday
Rare; only when discussing specific medical conditions.
Technical
The primary context in clinical medicine, endocrinology, and pharmacology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “antidiuretic hormone”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “antidiuretic hormone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “antidiuretic hormone”
- Misspelling as 'antidiurectic' or 'antiduretic'.
- Using 'antidiuretic' as a noun alone to mean the hormone.
- Incorrect stress: /AN-ti-dye-u-RET-ik/ is more common than /an-TI-dye-u-ret-ik/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are two names for the same hormone. 'Vasopressin' is often used when referring to its effect on blood vessels, while 'antidiuretic hormone' (ADH) emphasises its role in water balance.
It is synthesised in the hypothalamus (specifically the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei) and stored/released from the posterior pituitary gland.
Primary triggers are increased blood osmolality (concentration) and decreased blood volume or pressure. Emotional stress and nausea can also stimulate its release.
Excessive ADH causes the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), leading to water retention, dilute blood (hyponatremia), and potential neurological symptoms.
A hormone that reduces urine production by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Antidiuretic hormone is usually technical/formal in register.
Antidiuretic hormone: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæn.ti.daɪ.jʊˈret.ɪk ˈhɔː.məʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæn.taɪ.daɪ.jəˈret̬.ɪk ˈhɔːr.moʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “n/a”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANTI-DIURETIC = against (anti) producing too much urine (diuretic). It's the hormone that tells your body to 'hold the water'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WATER CONSERVATION MANAGER or A THIRST SIGNAL AMPLIFIER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary physiological action of antidiuretic hormone?