polyurethane

noun

poly·​ure·​thane ˌpä-lē-ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌthān 

: any of various polymers that contain NHCOO linkages and are used especially in flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, and resins (as for coatings)

Examples of polyurethane in a Sentence

The floor will need two coats of polyurethane.

Recent Examples on the Web

But some social media users have pointed out how the medallions closely resemble polyurethane architectural appliqués sold on the Chinese online marketplace Alibaba for as little as $1 to $5 each (before tariffs). —Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025

As a dedicated low-frequency driver, this new dynamic driver has a glass speaker dome and a polyurethane diaphragm, bringing a new flavor of bass presentation while keeping all the strengths of Campfire’s dual-magnet line. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

The Hungry Fungi The team exposed the fastest-growing fungi to small dishes filled with polyurethane, a common plastic, and noted if and how fast the fungi would consume it. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2025

Each model comes with an optional slab of polyurethane foam padding. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for polyurethane

• diazomethane
• dichloroethane
• dichloromethane
• trichloroethane
• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine