Final answer:
The term that indicates excessive thirst is d) Polydipsia. It is associated with conditions like diabetes insipidus, which perturb the balance of water in the body due to issues with the hormone ADH.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that means excessive thirst is d) Polydipsia. Polydipsia refers to the frequent intake of water due to an abnormal sense of thirst. It is often associated with conditions such as diabetes insipidus, where there is an underproduction of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or a mutation in the ADH receptor. This hormone is crucial for water retention in the kidneys, and its deficiency leads to the production of large quantities of dilute urine, known as polyuria, which then leads to increased thirst and water intake. If the body loses water through other means such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, the person may also experience polydipsia. Drinking alcohol can also affect ADH production and contribute to dehydration, exacerbating feelings of thirst.