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

Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO of one of the world’s largest exporters of urea and ammonia, said nitrogen fertilizer prices surged by as much as 80% to more than $900 a ton after the war disrupted Gulf exports. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 14 May 2026

Used as a core ingredient in urea fertilizer, this new waste-to-resource process is cheaper, energy-efficient, and something of a game-changer. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026

The different product lines have slightly different additives for either muscle, nerve, or foot discomfort, including arnica, capsaicin, urea or aloe vera. —ABC News, 9 May 2026

Large volumes of urea, ammonia, phosphate fertilizers, sulfur and petroleum from gulf countries are shipped through the strait each year. —George Petras, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026

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