How to Pronounce Enuresis

Enuresis is pronounced en-yoo-REE-sis. Start with 'en' (like the letter N), then say 'yoo' (rhymes with 'you'), then stress the third part with 'REE' (like the letter R), and finish with 'sis' (like the end of the word 'crisis'). The stress falls on the REE syllable, which is the loudest and longest part of the word.

Enuresis breaks into four syllables: en-u-RE-sis. When you say it out loud, you can tap your chin gently four times—once for each syllable—to feel the rhythm of the word.

You should stress the third syllable: en-u-REE-sis. Many people mistakenly stress the first syllable (EN-u-ree-sis) or the last one (en-u-ree-SIS), but the correct emphasis is on the REE part in the middle.

Enuresis is the medical term for involuntary urination—when someone urinates without meaning to. The word is most commonly used to describe bedwetting, especially in children who are old enough that they should be able to control their bladder.

Enuresis comes from Greek roots: 'en-' means 'in' and 'ourein' means 'to urinate.' So the word literally means 'urinating in,' referring to the loss of urinary control.

Nocturnal enuresis is when enuresis (involuntary urination) happens at night during sleep—in other words, bedwetting. The word 'nocturnal' comes from the Latin word for 'night,' so nocturnal enuresis specifically refers to nighttime wetting.

Words like 'diuresis' (increased urination) and 'polyuria' (excessive urination) share connections to the Greek root meaning 'urine' or 'urination.' Understanding that 'en-' means 'in' helps you see how enuresis specifically means urination happening when it shouldn't.

While there isn't one commonly used abbreviation, doctors sometimes use 'NE' as shorthand for 'nocturnal enuresis,' the most common type. You might also see it written as just 'enuresis' in medical notes or charts.

Here's an example: 'The pediatrician explained that enuresis is not uncommon in young children.' The word is used as a noun to name the condition of involuntary urination, and it doesn't change form in a sentence.