: 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

Examples of urea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Extra protein is eliminated through urea, a component of urine. Rachel Murphy, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2024 The mix of retinol, urea, lactic and glycolic acid is great for exfoliating, smoothing, and evening out my body's skin tone. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2024 Blood urea nitrogen, or BUN, the amount of the waste product urea your kidneys help remove from your blood. Brad Reisfeld, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 Boakye recommends moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, and urea. Essence, 8 Jan. 2024 Some types of crab spiders and the giant swallowtail caterpillar also sport white spots and are thought to be emulating the pasty-white urea component of bird excrement. Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 13 Dec. 2023 Urinary osmolality measures how much chloride, potassium, sodium, and urea are in your urine. Urodynamics: This is a set of tests examining how well your bladder and urethra work. Sarah Bradley, Health, 17 Nov. 2023 Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and urea are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that loosen and shed old skin cells. Lacey Muinos, Health, 18 July 2023 The combination of urea and salicylic acid offers gentle exfoliation removing the buildup of skin, while the ceramides and niacinamide rebuild the skin barrier and return moisture to it. Isabella Ubaldi, Health, 15 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'urea.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from French urée, from urine

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of urea was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near urea

Cite this Entry

“Urea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urea. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

urea

noun
: a soluble nitrogen-containing compound that is the chief solid substance in the urine of mammals and is an end product of protein breakdown

Medical Definition

urea

noun
: a soluble weakly basic nitrogenous compound CH4N2O that is the chief solid component of mammalian urine and an end product of protein decomposition and that is administered intravenously as a diuretic drug

called also carbamide

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