urea

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noun \ yu̇-ˈrē-ə \

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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Excessive use of urea, which accounts for more than 50 percent of the country’s total fertilizer consumption, has deteriorated the health of farmlands in many parts of the country.

— pratik parija, Bloomberg.com, "Fertilizer Smugglers May Be Jobless After India Reforms Subsidy," 30 Aug. 2017
The cars could not carry an adequate supply of a urea solution known as AdBlue used to neutralize harmful tailpipe fumes.

— jack ewing, New York Times, "Audi Engineer Implicates Superiors in Diesel Case, Lawyer Says," 21 Aug. 2017
Urea cycle disorder prevents the removal of protein waste from the body.

— max londberg, kansascity, "Bodybuilders beware: Aussie’s protein intake may have contributed to her death," 16 Aug. 2017
Two days later, she was pronounced brain dead and diagnosed with urea cycle disorder, a rare genetic condition that can be treated with diet and medication, but oftentimes goes undiagnosed, allowing ammonia to build up in the bloodstream.

— tess koman, Cosmopolitan, "25-Year-Old Bodybuilding Mom Reportedly Dies of Protein Overdose," 15 Aug. 2017
Meegan Hefford, a 25-year-old from Mandurah, Australia, was discovered to have a urea cycle disorder, which blocks the body from correctly breaking down protein.

— julie mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, "Bodybuilding Mom of 2 Reportedly Dies of Protein Overdose," 15 Aug. 2017
Meegan Hefford had an undiagnosed genetic condition called urea cycle disorder.

— amanda macmillan, Health.com, "For Some People, Too Much Protein Can Be Deadly—Here’s What You Need to Know About the Death of a Bodybuilding Mom," 15 Aug. 2017
The most serious allegation is that the companies deliberately chose not to fit their diesel cars with the best exhaust-cleaning equipment but rather used smaller urea tanks that didn't take up as much trunk space.

— geoffrey smith, Fortune, "CEO Daily: Wednesday, 2nd August," 2 Aug. 2017
Der Spiegel reported Friday that German automakers including Daimler had colluded for years on diesel technology and other issues and had agreed to limit the size of the tanks for the urea solution used to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides.

— david mchugh, The Seattle Times, "Daimler stands by diesel despite growing controversy," 26 July 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

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First Known Use: 1806

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UREA Defined for English Language Learners

urea

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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

play

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

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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

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