What characteristic defines abnormal urine?

Abnormal urine is often characterized by unusual color, clarity, and the presence of particles or sediment. Cloudy urine with particles may indicate the presence of substances such as bacteria, cells, or crystals, which could signify an underlying health issue such as a urinary tract infection, dehydration, or kidney stones. In contrast, clear and light yellow urine, as well as pale straw-colored urine, are typically considered signs of normal hydration and healthy kidney function. Dark amber urine can indicate dehydration but does not include the additional abnormalities that particles would suggest. Therefore, the characteristic of cloudy urine with particles directly points to a potential abnormality, making it the correct answer when identifying characteristics of abnormal urine.