: 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
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Nitrogen fertilizers like urea, essential for crops, jumped over 20%, with potash and phosphate up 18% and 20%, respectively.
—
Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Inspired by the biology of bone-forming cells, scientists at the University of California, Irvine, along with collaborators across the U.S. and Japan, have discovered a novel way to reuse urea, a chemical found in urine, to manufacture hydroxyapatite, a valuable mineral with a wide range of uses.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025
That enzyme is required to convert ammonia, a byproduct of metabolism, to urea, a waste product released in urine.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Types of humectants include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, and aloe vera.12
Jump to Key Takeaways.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
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Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Inspired by the biology of bone-forming cells, scientists at the University of California, Irvine, along with collaborators across the U.S. and Japan, have discovered a novel way to reuse urea, a chemical found in urine, to manufacture hydroxyapatite, a valuable mineral with a wide range of uses.
—Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025
That enzyme is required to convert ammonia, a byproduct of metabolism, to urea, a waste product released in urine.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 16 May 2025
Types of humectants include hyaluronic acid, glycerin, urea, and aloe vera.12
Jump to Key Takeaways.
—Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for urea
Cite this Entry
“Urea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urea. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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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