# kidney

/ˈkɪdni/ (US) · /kˈɪdni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kidney
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. body organ

noun · CEFR B2

one of the two organs in your lower back that filter waste from your blood to make urine.

For teachers: either of a pair of bean-shaped organs in the abdominal cavity that filter blood and excrete waste as urine.

- Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys function properly and stay healthy.
- The patient was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease after routine blood tests revealed a significant decline in filtration efficiency.

### 2. food

noun · CEFR B2

the kidney of an animal, such as a cow or pig, eaten as food.

For teachers: the organ of an animal used as an edible variety of offal.

- Steak and kidney pie is a traditional dish in British pubs.
- The chef prepared a classic devilled kidney dish, sautéing the meat with a spicy mustard sauce and serving it on toasted brioche.

### 3. type or character

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

a person's character, nature, or kind.

For teachers: a person's temperament, disposition, or specific type. Usually used in the phrase 'of that kidney'.

- He was a man of a very different kidney than his brother.
- The headmaster was a stern fellow, and he expected his staff to be of the same disciplined kidney.

Usage: Typically appears in the idiomatic construction 'of that kidney' or 'of the same kidney'.

## Examples

- A kidney transplant can save a person's life.
- Doctors monitor kidney function in patients with high blood pressure, as the condition can cause long-term damage.
- The intricate network of nephrons within each kidney is responsible for filtering metabolic waste from the bloodstream while reabsorbing essential substances.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.