urea

noun \ yu̇-ˈrē-ə \

|Updated on: 11 Jun 2018

Definition of urea

: 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

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Recent Examples of urea from the Web

The Oregon plant produces the chemical compound urea, among other things, as fertilizer for the agricultural industry.

— maxine bernstein, OregonLive.com, "Manufacturing plant near St. Helens that emitted tons of hazardous ammonia to pay $250,000 fine," 4 June 2018
Wood frogs hold in urine all winter as a survival mechanism by recycling urea, according to a study published Tuesday.

— amy lieu, Fox News, "Wood frogs' winter survival may depend on holding in urine: study," 2 May 2018
For a mild yet effective treatment, Dr. Wechsler suggests exfoliating with a brown sugar scrub, microdermabrasion (a device that gently sands down and softens the skin), or urea gels.

— talia abbas, SELF, "I Have Keratosis Pilaris. These 8 Products Actually Smoothed My Skin.," 7 Apr. 2018
This fact requires manufactures to produce unique engines specific to the American market, including the addition of awkward urea tanks for trapping nitrous oxide.

— philip armour, Popular Mechanics, "The Fledgling Revival of American Diesel," 6 Mar. 2018
Generally, home gardeners don't have access to urea.

— jeff lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, "How to de-ice your walkways without killing your yard," 22 Feb. 2018
Terrorists had driven a van packed with 1,500 pounds of urea nitrate and hydrogen-gas cylinders into a public parking garage beneath the World Trade Center before detonating the bomb, killing six people and injuring over a thousand.

— jamie goldberg, OregonLive.com, "Police ask public for help in locating stolen Timbers championship ring," 13 Feb. 2018
The liquid fertilizer – a 32 percent urea ammonium nitrate solution – was being offloaded when an apparent structural failure occurred.

— carrie blackmore smith, Cincinnati.com, "Buckled barge on the Ohio River spills fertilizer near Anderson Ferry," 21 Dec. 2017
Shahzad used urea fertilizer designed for home gardens.

— nicholas grossman, National Review, "Just How Severe Is the Jihadist Threat?," 14 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'urea.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of urea

New Latin, from French urée, from urine

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1806

in the meaning defined above

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UREA Defined for English Language Learners

urea

noun

Definition of urea for English Language Learners

: a substance that contains nitrogen, is found in the urine of mammals and some fish, and is used in some kinds of fertilizer

UREA Defined for Kids

urea

noun \ yu̇-ˈrē-ə \

Definition of urea for Students

: a compound of nitrogen that is the chief solid substance dissolved in the urine of a mammal and is formed by the breaking down of protein

Medical Dictionary

urea

noun \ yu̇-ˈrē-ə \

medical Definition of urea

: 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