melamine

American  

[mel-uh-meen, mel-uh-meen] / ˈmɛl əˌmin, ˌmɛl əˈmin /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, slightly water-soluble solid, C 3 N 3 (NH2 ) 3 , used chiefly in organic synthesis and in the manufacture of resins, especially melamine resins.

2. any of the melamine resins.

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melamine British  

/ ˈmɛləˌmiːn /

noun

1. a colourless crystalline compound used in making synthetic resins; 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine. Formula: C 3 H 6 N 6

2. melamine resin or a material made from this resin

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Etymology

Origin of melamine

1825–35; < German Melamin, derivative of Melam distillate of ammonium thiocyanate (arbitrary coinage, but -am representing ammonium ); -ine ²

Example Sentences

Baby formula and pet food manufacturers have had to recall products containing melamine that caused kidney failure.

From Salon

A colorful melamine tray filled with locally sourced goodies for a make-your-own granola bar in the morning can transition to a cocktail bar tray in the 5 o’clock hour.

From Seattle Times

Certified International has some cool melamine choices, including their Medallion line, which has a cheery floral pattern, and comes in both cool and warm colorways.

From Washington Times

It’s served sliced into rounds like sushi on colorful melamine plates from Korea.

From Seattle Times

These polymers are used to produce materials such as bakelite, melamine and the epoxy resins used in wind-turbine blades.

From Scientific American