renal failure
nounUK /ˈriːnəl ˈfeɪljə/
US /ˈriːnəl ˈfeɪljər/
A sickness where the kidneys stop working properly and cannot clean the blood.
The doctor said the patient has renal failure and needs special treatment.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Acute renal failure, a sudden loss of kidney function that may improve with treatment.
Acute renal failure can happen after severe dehydration.
3. Chronic renal failure, a slow and lasting loss of kidney function over time.
Chronic renal failure often requires long-term care.
4. End-stage renal disease, the final stage when the kidneys no longer work at all.
End-stage renal failure usually means the person needs dialysis or a new kidney.