Definition of Chronic renal failure

Chronic renal failure: Slow progressive loss of kidney function over the span of years, resulting in permanent kidney failure. Chronic kidney disease is common and may go undiagnosed until the process is far advanced and renal failure is on the horizon. People with permanent kidney failure need dialysis or a transplanted kidney to do the work of their failed kidneys.

Chronic renal failure is in contrast to acute renal failure. It may also be referred to as chronic kidney failure.