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

This semester, the school offers a course focusing on costume crafts (including items such as shoes, hats, jewelry and working with uncommon materials such as thermoplastics and urethane resin). —Cathy Whitlock, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2024

The Platinum Shield option is the most heavy-duty of the brand’s choices due to its urethane coating, which makes the cover extra weather-resistant. —Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 12 Dec. 2023

Rough-hewn logs and fieldstone have been fashioned from high-density urethane foam. —David Gilbert, The New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2020

Owing to its urethane bushings, the ride is not quiet, either. —Barry Winfield, Car and Driver, 1 Aug. 2023

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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