urethane

noun

ure·​thane ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌthān 

variants or less commonly urethan

ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌthan 

1

a

: a crystalline compound C₃H₇NO₂ that is the ethyl ester of carbamic acid and is used especially as a solvent and medicinally as an antineoplastic agent

b

: an ester of carbamic acid other than the ethyl ester

2

: polyurethane

Examples of urethane in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each ball sports a urethane cover with a proprietary coating that lends more spin and control, a core that helps out on feel, and an aerodynamic dimple pattern that reduces drag and improves lift. —Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2026

There are two types: Surface finishes: Surface finishes, like polyurethane and urethane, harden on top of the wood fibers and offer a layer of physical protection. —Dan Simms, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

When the flawless becomes flawed, and the raw steel beneath the matte-green layer of urethane paint shows its true color? —Gordon Hughes, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

Around the case is a thick thermoplastic urethane bumper that slopes inward nicely, offering a comfortable grip. —Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 20 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French uréthane, from ur- ur- entry 1 + éth- eth- + -ane

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for urethane

• aeroplane
• appertain
• ascertain
• capitaine
• cassegrain
• cellophane
• chatelaine
• counterpane
• entertain
• gethsemane
• halothane
• hurricane

Medical Definition

urethane

noun

ure·​thane ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌthān 

variants or urethan

-ˌthan 

1

: a crystalline compound C₃H₇NO₂ that is the ethyl ester of carbamic acid and is used especially as a solvent and in anesthetizing laboratory animals

called also ethyl carbamate

2

: an ester of carbamic acid other than the ethyl ester