urea

noun

yu̇-ˈrē-ə 

: 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

The Dangote Group, which also operates a urea fertilizer production plant alongside the Lagos refinery, plans to diversify into the production of detergents and other chemicals. —Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Large volumes of urea, ammonia, phosphate fertilizers, sulfur and petroleum from gulf countries are shipped through the strait each year. —George Petras, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026

As much as two-thirds of worldwide seaborne trade in urea -- a nitrogen-rich fertilizer used for a variety of crops from corn to greens -- passes through the strait. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026

Key components of fertilizer like natural gas, ammonia and urea, all of which are produced in the Middle East, have been disrupted since the conflict erupted. —Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from French urée, from urine

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing urea

• urea-formaldehyde

Rhymes for urea

• chia
• mia
• pia
• rhea
• shia
• stria
• thea
• zia
• aliya
• aliyah
• althea
• apnoea

Kids Definition

urea

noun

yu̇-ˈrē-ə 

: 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

yu̇-ˈrē-ə 

: 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