: 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
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The urea cycle disorder can eventually lead to a toxic accumulation of ammonia in the bloodstream.
—
Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
It’s formulated with retinol and AHA, two ingredients dermatologists recommend for targeting texture on your body—along with deeply hydrating, barrier-supporting ingredients like shea butter and urea.
—Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 13 May 2025
The metabolic condition, called carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency, affects the urea cycle and can cause deadly levels of ammonia to build up in the blood, leading to severe and permanent brain damage.
—Keerthana Pakanati, ABC News, 15 May 2025
For example, the sensors that measure current also work well for other molecules that react in the presence of an enzyme, including urea, which in addition to signaling kidney health shows a substantial increase in both blood and sweat when dehydration reaches a dangerous point.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2014
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Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 May 2025
It’s formulated with retinol and AHA, two ingredients dermatologists recommend for targeting texture on your body—along with deeply hydrating, barrier-supporting ingredients like shea butter and urea.
—Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 13 May 2025
The metabolic condition, called carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 1 deficiency, affects the urea cycle and can cause deadly levels of ammonia to build up in the blood, leading to severe and permanent brain damage.
—Keerthana Pakanati, ABC News, 15 May 2025
For example, the sensors that measure current also work well for other molecules that react in the presence of an enzyme, including urea, which in addition to signaling kidney health shows a substantial increase in both blood and sweat when dehydration reaches a dangerous point.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2014
See All Example Sentences for urea
Cite this Entry
“Urea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urea. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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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