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

The lower body is protected with a Raptor polyurethane coating. — New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026

Aetrex orthotics are made from high grade polyurethane, engineered to fill in all the spaces between your foot and the ground to give you comfort and relieve foot and back pain. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Spandex has been tricky to recycle because the polyurethane spandex fiber is wrapped with either polyester or nylon to create yarn. — Sarah Jones, Footwear News, 10 Aug. 2026

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

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