retromingent

From retro- (“backwards”) + past participle of Latin mingō (“I urinate”).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɹɛtɹə(ʊ)ˈmɪndʒənt/

retromingent (plural retromingents)

1. (obsolete) An animal that urinates backwards, such as the camel, hippo or raccoon.
   • 1646, Sir Thomas Browne, Pseudodoxia Epidemica, III.17:

     I confess by reason of the postick and backward position of the feminine parts in quadrupedes, they can hardly admit the substitution of a protrusion, effectuall unto masculine generation; except it be in Retromingents, and such as couple backward.

retromingent (comparative more retromingent, superlative most retromingent)

1. (not comparable) That urinates backwards; also used of such urination.
   • 1958, Lawrence Durrell, Mountolive:

     It sat down at last and, as if to express once and for all its disenchantment with the whole sum of canine existence, delivered itself of a retromingent puddle on the beautiful Shiraz.

   • 2006, Danny Baker, "When the spit hits the fan", The Times, 17 Apr 2006:

     "Additionally, camels are retromingent animals, and so spectators would be advised to beware not only of flying saliva but of pitched urine as well."

2. (slang) cowardly

• micturate
• retromingency