thirst

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thirst

thirst sensation indicating the body's need for water. Dry or salty food and dry, dusty air may induce such a sensation by depleting moisture in the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Relief through ingestion of water is only temporary, however, if thirst results from a generalized depletion of water in the system. About three fourths of the body is composed of fluids, and the average adult requires 2 1/2 qt (2.4 liters) of fluid per day, supplied by water, other beverages, and foods. Depriving the body of water interferes with its metabolism and functions, causing dehydration, which is eventually fatal. The unnatural thirst that accompanies fever, diabetes, and other disorders is caused by a rapid reduction of the body fluids. The sensation of thirst is controlled by osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus in the brain. Dehydration of the cells triggers the posterior pituitary to releast the antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

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thirst

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

thirst / [unvoicedth]ərst/ • n. a feeling of needing or wanting to drink something: they quenched their thirst with spring water. ∎ lack of the liquid needed to sustain life: tens of thousands died of thirst and starvation. ∎ (usu. thirst for) poetic/lit. a strong desire for something: his thirst for knowledge was mainly academic. • v. [intr.] archaic (of a person or animal) feel a need to drink something. ∎ (usu. thirst for/after) poetic/lit. have a strong desire for something: an opponent thirsting for revenge.

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"thirst." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved December 07, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-thirst.html

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