urea

noun

yu̇-ˈrē-ə 

: 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

Fertilizer prices have soared since the Iran war began at the end of February and led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to most shipping, disrupting urea and sulphur supplies from the Gulf. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

There's a material called urea, which is used for fertilizer. —Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

About 35% of the world’s urea and more than 20% of the globe’s fertilizers pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026

Iran has threatened ships carrying natural gas and other fertilizer materials, which has caused the price of the urea fertilizer to rise by more than a quarter since the war’s start in late February. —Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from French urée, from urine

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing urea

• urea-formaldehyde

Rhymes for urea

• chia
• mia
• pia
• rhea
• shia
• stria
• thea
• zia
• aliya
• aliyah
• althea
• apnoea

Kids Definition

urea

noun

yu̇-ˈrē-ə 

: 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

yu̇-ˈrē-ə 

: 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