[kid.ney] n, pl kidneys [ME] (14c) 1 a: one of a pair of vertebrate organs situated in the body cavity near the spinal column that excrete waste products of metabolism, in humans are bean-shaped organs about
4. 1/2 inches (11 1/2 centimeters) long lying behind the peritoneum in a mass of fatty tissue, and consist chiefly of nephrons by which urine is secreted, collected, and discharged into a main cavity whence it is conveyed by the ureter to the bladder b: any of various excretory organs of invertebrate animals
2: the kidney of an animal eaten as food
3: sort or kind esp. with regard to temperament "a nice helpful guy, of a different ~ entirely from the ubiquitous Secret Police --Paula Lecler"