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

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

The durable urethane cover adds to a player’s ability to control the ball. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025

This caster is fashioned from a proprietary urethane blend and is designed to help riders achieve smooth sideways slides, or can be locked in place for the promise of a stable cruise. —Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 7 Jan. 2025

There's a thick thermoplastic urethane bumper that offers a nice grip, and a smooth polycarbonate frame. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024

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