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

In a similar fashion fertilizer and chemical producers — such as CF Industries, The Mosaic Company and Dow — are witnessing a sharp rally as the strait is also a critical corridor for global urea and phosphate shipments. —Benzinga, Freep.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Up to 30% of world fertilizer exports — including urea, ammonia, phosphates and sulfur — pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Joseph Glauber of the International Food Policy Research Institute. —Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Since the start of the war, the price of urea, the nitrogen-rich compound present in most fertilizers, has spiked 35%. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 27% of global ammonia and 35% of global urea flows, according to Morgan Stanley. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 12 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