What is the term for a disease of the kidney?

The term "nephropathy" specifically refers to any disease or disorder of the kidney. This encompasses a wide range of kidney conditions, from mild dysfunction to severe damage. The prefix "nephro-" is derived from the Greek word for kidney, which clearly indicates the focus on kidney pathology.

Other terms in the list relate to specific conditions or issues related to the kidneys but do not universally signify a disease of the kidney. For instance, "uropathy" generally refers to any pathology of the urinary tract, which includes but is not limited to kidney diseases. "Nephritis" refers specifically to inflammation of the kidney, which is just one type of nephropathy. "Renal failure" indicates a severe condition where the kidneys are no longer able to perform their functions adequately, but it is not a blanket term for kidney diseases in general.

Thus, nephropathy is the most accurate term for a disease of the kidney, covering a broader spectrum of kidney-related diseases.