Definition of urinal

The origin of the word "urinal" can be traced back to the late 19th century. At the time, public urinals were becoming more common in cities as an alternative to street urination. The first modern urinals were designed to have a raised rim around the edges, which prevented spilling and made it easier for men to aim accurately. The word "urinal" itself is derived from the Latin word "urinare," which means "to urinate." In the early 1900s, as this new type of urinal gained popularity, it became necessary to distinguish it from other types of toilets, such as water closets (WCs) and pedestal urinals. The term "urinal" was coined by a German engineer named Wilhelm Graff, who patented the first modern urinal design in 1880. He called his invention the "urinalbinett," which is a combination of the German words for "urinal" and "basinette." The word "urinalbinett" never caught on, however, and over time, the term "urinal" became more widely used to describe these devices. Today, urinals are a common sight in public restrooms, and the word has become a part of everyday language. They come in a variety of styles and materials, ranging from traditional porcelain to modern plastic and stainless steel designs. While some people may still find them unsavory, there's no denying that urinals have come a long way since their invention over a century ago.