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

Before storing white clothes, be sure wooden drawers or shelves are painted or sealed with several coats of polyurethane varnish. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

For example, only a few higher-end Western shoes available now have outsoles made from casting polyurethane, which is lighter and provides better traction than the rubber used in most current Western models. — Scott Douglas, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

It’s made of an easy-to-clean thermoplastic polyurethane that is also water-resistant for those games that get rained out. — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026

Jude Webbing also offers an optional thermoplastic polyurethane coating to prevent water absorption. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 6 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polyurethane

• cyclopropane
• legerdemain
• nitromethane
• ultramontane
• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine