urethane

[ yoor-uh-theyn ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any derivative of carbamic acid having the formula CH 2 NO 2 R.
2. Also called ethyl carbamate, ethyl urethane. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C 3 H 7 NO 2 : used chiefly as a solvent, in organic synthesis, as a fungicide and pesticide, and formerly in cancer treatment.

urethane

/ ˈjʊərɪˌθeɪn; ˈjʊərɪˌθæn /

noun

1. short for polyurethane
2. another name for ethyl carbamate

urethane

/ yr′ĭ-thān′ /

1. A colorless or white crystalline compound used in organic synthesis. Formerly it was also used to relieve symptoms associated with leukemia. Also called ethyl carbamate. Chemical formula: C 3 H 7 NO 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of urethane¹

< French uréthane (1833); urea, ethane

Word History and Origins

Origin of urethane¹

C19: from uro- ¹+ ethyl + -ane

Example Sentences

A recent study demonstrates that soft skin pads doubling as sensors made from thermoplastic urethane can be efficiently manufactured using 3D printers.

From Science Daily

Be sure you use a paint with a urethane resin.

From Seattle Times

The lawsuit also alleges Costco’s claims that the clubs have premium features such as an “injected urethane insert” are untrue.

From Seattle Times

I did use the urethane paint, and I feel its stickiness is the reason the paint continues to bond to the plastic.

From Seattle Times

Each one is made from the random pouring of colored urethane, creating an object that sits somewhere between industrial manufacture and handmade fabrication.

From Los Angeles Times