Main Entry: urea

Pronunciation: \yu̇-ˈrē-ə\

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin, from French urée, from urine

Date: 1806

: a soluble weakly basic nitrogenous compound CO(NH₂)₂ that is the chief solid component of mammalian urine and an end product of protein decomposition, is synthesized from carbon dioxide and ammonia, and is used especially in synthesis (as of resins and plastics) and in fertilizers and animal rations