melamine

noun

mel·​a·​mine ˈme-lə-ˌmēn 

1

: a white crystalline organic base C₃H₆N₆ with a high melting point that is used especially in melamine resins

2

: a melamine resin or a plastic made from such a resin

Examples of melamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The set comes with four plates that are made from melamine and measure 11 inches in diameter. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 9 July 2026

Made from melamine foam, these polymer sponges have the ability to lift stubborn scuffs and marks with ease. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026

Made in Bulgaria and hand-painted, these feel particularly individual—a far cry from the bright white melamine of the past. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026

The 166-piece set includes 36 dot, bam, and crack tiles, 12 dragons, 16 winds, 16 flowers, 10 jokers, and four blank spare tiles made from melamine. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German Melamin

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing melamine

• melamine resin

Rhymes for melamine

• acridine
• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene

Medical Definition

melamine

noun

mel·​a·​mine ˈmel-ə-ˌmēn 

1

: a white crystalline organic base C₃H₆N₆ with a high melting point that is used especially in making resins by reaction with aldehydes

2

: a resin made from melamine or a plastic made from such a resin