polyurethane

[ pol-ee-yoor-uh-theyn, -yoo-reth-eyn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a thermoplastic polymer containing the group NHCOO: used for padding and insulation in furniture, clothing, and packaging, and in the manufacture of resins for adhesives, elastomers, and fillers.

polyurethane

/ ˌpɒlɪˈjʊərəˌθæn; ˌpɒlɪˈjʊərəˌθeɪn /

noun

1. a class of synthetic materials made by copolymerizing an isocyanate and a polyhydric alcohol and commonly used as a foam ( polyurethane foam ) for insulation and packing, as fibres and hard inert coatings, and in a flexible form ( polyurethane rubber ) for diaphragms and seals

polyurethane

/ pŏl′ē-yr′ə-thān′ /

1. Any of various synthetic resins used to make tough resistant coatings, adhesives, foams, and electrical insulation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of polyurethane¹

First recorded in 1940–45; poly- + urethane

Example Sentences

She quit her job as a high school drama teacher to manage her daughter’s career; Keke’s dad, Larry, stopped working at a polyurethane factory to raise the other kids.

From Los Angeles Times

The Olympics used red cinder until 1968 and the Mexico City games, which instead featured a polyurethane "Tartan" track, so-called because 3M, which made it, also made Scotch tape.

From BBC

To test this idea, Wu coated polyurethane devices with their adhesive and implanted them on the abdominal wall, colon, stomach, lung, or heart of rats.

From Science Daily

In the decades since their first runs, the group has witnessed changes to the sport far beyond composite skis and polyurethane boots.

From Seattle Times

His initial Sleeping Beauty Castle was built utilizing plywood, PVC, wood turnings and cast resin veneer, but he has since updated the structure with largely polyurethane foam boards and 3D-printed materials.

From Los Angeles Times