Kidney Failure Glossary This glossary defines words that are often used when people talk or write about kidney failure and its treatments. It is designed for people whose kidneys have failed and for their families and friends. The words are listed in alphabetical order. Some words have many meanings; only those meanings that relate to kidney diseases are included. Words that appear in bold italic are defined elsewhere in the glossary. A term will refer the reader to another definition only when the second definition gives additional information about the topic that is directly related to the first term