What characteristic describes urine that is cloudy?

Cloudy urine is typically indicative of the presence of particulates, which can include various substances such as cells, bacteria, crystals, or other debris. The turbidity or cloudiness arises when these particulates scatter light as it passes through the urine, making it appear less clear. This characteristic can be significant in the diagnostic process, as it may suggest conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or other underlying health issues.

In contrast, completely transparent urine would reflect a lack of these particulates, indicating that the urine is clear. The ability to see print through the urine suggests high clarity and transparency, thus ruling it out as a descriptor for cloudy urine. Similarly, the absence of precipitate or clots suggests more clarity than cloudiness, further emphasizing that cloudiness is specifically associated with the presence of particulates. Hence, the correct description of cloudy urine aligns with the characteristic of having particulates present.