: 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 Urinary osmolality measures how much chloride, potassium, sodium, and urea are in your urine. Urodynamics: This is a set of tests examining how well your bladder and urethra work. Sarah Bradley, Health, 17 Nov. 2023 Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and urea are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that loosen and shed old skin cells. Lacey Muinos, Health, 18 July 2023 The combination of urea and salicylic acid offers gentle exfoliation removing the buildup of skin, while the ceramides and niacinamide rebuild the skin barrier and return moisture to it. Isabella Ubaldi, Health, 15 June 2023 Stratus Pharmaceuticals Inc 20% Urea Cream Pros Recommended high concentration of urea Helps to soften calluses without filing Cons Scent is medicinal Correa recommends a cream containing at least 20% urea to help gently exfoliate away dry and crusty calluses. Garrett Munce, Men's Health, 29 Mar. 2023 Sichuan Meifeng Chemical Industry Co. said in a filing that a production suspension caused by the power rationing was expected to cut urea output by about 15,000 tons and compound fertilizer output by about 6,000 tons but wouldn’t have a significant impact on the company’s operating performance. Sha Hua and Yang Jie, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2022 What To Know About Urine Your kidneys filter urea (waste) and water from your blood.5 Urine is the leftover waste after nutrients, such as glucose (sugar) and protein, filter back into your blood. Claire Gillespie, Health, 17 Aug. 2023 What’s more, a blend of exfoliating acids, urea, and squalane work together to moisturize and combat uneven texture. ELLE, 31 July 2023 Citrulline is involved in our urea cycle, or the way our body gets rid of waste via our pee. Alyssa Jung, Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'urea.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from French urée, from urine

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of urea was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near urea

Cite this Entry

“Urea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urea. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

Kids 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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