urea

noun \ yu̇-ˈrē-ə \

|Updated on: 9 Jul 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

Kaleido is conducting clinical trials for a drug to treat urea cycle disorders by targeting gut chemistry.

— jonathan saltzman, BostonGlobe.com, "Bedford startup Kaleido Biosciences raises $101 million in funding round," 25 June 2018
According to Nails magazine, the most common active ingredients found in callus-removing formulas are urea, salicylic acid (which is commonly found in acne treatments) and potassium hydroxide.

— marci robin, Good Housekeeping, "Woman Says She Suffered Horrifying Burns on Her Foot During Salon Pedicure," 7 Nov. 2017
Rather than having the back of the heel shaved or pumiced off at your pedicure appointment, routine applications of a cream boasting a 20 to 40 percent concentration of urea on the label will create a smoother surface all year long.

— mackenzie wagoner, Vogue, "The Blister Survival Guide for Summer Shoes," 10 June 2018
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

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