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

Inspired by the Japanese treat both in formula and texture, the Iota Supermochi Body Exfoliator+ contains soothing sweet rice water and exfoliating red bean extract—alongside ingredients like lactic acid, sea salt, and urea—to gently resurface your skin from the neck down. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

Fertilizers such as urea and ammonium nitrate consume nearly 80 percent of that ammonia. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025

What's happening here is dog urine contains nitrogen and urea, just like fertilizer. —Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 9 Aug. 2025

Plus, the addition of peppermint oil and urea revive the new skin underneath for a velvety feel. —Mary Honkus, Glamour, 16 July 2025

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