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

Over 50% of the follicular fluid samples contained polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU) and polyethylene (PE), while polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were discovered in over 30% of the follicular fluid samples. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 1 July 2025

Thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU TPU is best known for its flexibility relative to the other kinds of plastics on this list. —ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025

The University of Edinburgh Like its American predecessor, the Scottish robot is printed entirely out of soft, flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). —Ben Coxworth may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2025

It’s made with several high-quality materials, including polyurethane, synthetic leather and spandex. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 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