polyurethane

noun

poly·​ure·​thane ˌpä-lē-ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌthān 

: any of various polymers that contain NHCOO linkages and are used especially in flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, and resins (as for coatings)

Examples of polyurethane in a Sentence

The floor will need two coats of polyurethane.

Recent Examples on the Web

Everything from polyurethane foams with formaldehyde and TCEP (a flame retardant) to phthalates can end up in nonorganic mattresses, off-gassing into your home. —Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 16 June 2025

Below, its polyurethane sole is molded with grip and protection, converting Birkenstock’s signature cork footbed into its waterproof iteration. —Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 26 May 2025

That’s the idea behind Rudy Project’s Astral Sphere sunglasses, which instead are cut from a spherical piece of polyurethane. —Lauren Wingenroth, SELF, 1 May 2025

Some jewelry boxes are wrapped in PU leather, an artificial material made from genuine leather components covered with polyurethane. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polyurethane

• diazomethane
• dichloroethane
• dichloromethane
• trichloroethane
• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine