Thirst
Thirst
Thirst (/θɜːrst/) is the basic human sensation of needing to drink water. It is an essential mechanism involved in fluid balance. It arises from a lack of fluids or an increase in the concentration of certain osmolites, such as salt. If the water volume of the body falls below a certain threshold or the osmolite concentration becomes too high, the brain signals thirst.
Etymology
The word "thirst" comes from the Old English þurst, related to þornan, to 'suffer'. It is also related to the Dutch dorst, the German Durst, and the Gothic þaúrstei.
Related Terms
- Dehydration: A condition that can occur when the loss of body fluids, mostly water, exceeds the amount that is taken in.
- Hydration: The process of causing something to absorb water.
- Polydipsia: Excessive thirst or excess drinking.
- Hypodipsia: Is a state of decreased thirst.
- Adipsia: The absence of thirst.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Thirst
- Wikipedia's article - Thirst
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