melamine

noun

mel·​a·​mine ˈme-lə-ˌmēn 

1

: a white crystalline organic base C₃H₆N₆ with a high melting point that is used especially in melamine resins

2

: a melamine resin or a plastic made from such a resin

Examples of melamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When to Use It Super-fine steel wool looks like mesh and is used for delicate materials, such as melamine and glass (including windows). —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025

These disposable melamine sponges work well for cleaning a variety of items, but they shouldn't be used on everything. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2025

Walmart wine glasses and goblets, now available in green, that’ll pair perfectly with the new melamine dining pieces. —Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025

After experimenting with a range of materials, the scientists created nano-sized plastic beads made from melamine and formaldehyde. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 16 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

German Melamin

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing melamine

• melamine resin

Rhymes for melamine

• acrolein
• adenine
• alkylene
• aniline
• anthracene
• aquiline
• asphaltene
• atlantean
• atrazine
• butadiene
• butylene
• caesarean

Medical Definition

melamine

noun

mel·​a·​mine ˈmel-ə-ˌmēn 

1

: a white crystalline organic base C₃H₆N₆ with a high melting point that is used especially in making resins by reaction with aldehydes

2

: a resin made from melamine or a plastic made from such a resin