melamine

[ mel-uh-meen, mel-uh-meen ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid, C 3 N 3 (NH 2 ) 3 , used chiefly in organic synthesis and in the manufacture of resins, especially melamine resins.
2. any of the melamine resins.

melamine

/ ˈmɛləˌmiːn /

noun

1. a colourless crystalline compound used in making synthetic resins; 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine. Formula: C 3 H 6 N 6
2. melamine resin or a material made from this resin

Word History and Origins

Origin of melamine¹

1825–35; < German Melamin, derivative of Melam distillate of ammonium thiocyanate (arbitrary coinage, but -am representing ammonium ); -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of melamine¹

C19: from German Melamin, from Melam distillate of ammonium thiocyanate, with -am representing ammonia

Example Sentences

These floorboards used photographs of different wood species, with a protective topcoat of melamine with aluminum oxide.

From Washington Blade

You can go vintage, with a whole set of colorful melamine, or go a little rococo with actual friggin’ silver.

From Eater

They are made of melamine foam, which basically works like a super-fine sandpaper.

From Outside Online