polyurethane

American  

[pol-ee-yoor-uh-theyn, -yoo-reth-eyn] / ˌpɒl iˈyʊər əˌθeɪn, -yʊˈrɛθ eɪn /

Also polyurethan

noun

Chemistry.

1. a thermoplastic polymer containing the group NHCOO: used for padding and insulation in furniture, clothing, and packaging, and in the manufacture of resins for adhesives, elastomers, and fillers.

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polyurethane British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈjʊərəˌθæn, ˌpɒlɪˈjʊərəˌθeɪn /

noun

1. a class of synthetic materials made by copolymerizing an isocyanate and a polyhydric alcohol and commonly used as a foam ( polyurethane foam ) for insulation and packing, as fibres and hard inert coatings, and in a flexible form ( polyurethane rubber ) for diaphragms and seals

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polyurethane Scientific  

/ pŏl′ē-yr′ə-thān′ /

1. Any of various synthetic resins used to make tough resistant coatings, adhesives, foams, and electrical insulation.

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Etymology

Origin of polyurethane

First recorded in 1940–45; poly- + urethane

Example Sentences

Waste containing asbestos is sealed into two layers of polyurethane bags and then into a plastic container with a lid, she said, while liquids such as bleach and motor oil are poured into drums.

From Los Angeles Times

She quit her job as a high school drama teacher to manage her daughter’s career; Keke’s dad, Larry, stopped working at a polyurethane factory to raise the other kids.

From Los Angeles Times

Sports Group has the Rekortan brand, which has a surface made from a polyurethane derived from canola and rapeseed oils.

From BBC

To test this idea, Wu coated polyurethane devices with their adhesive and implanted them on the abdominal wall, colon, stomach, lung, or heart of rats.

From Science Daily

In the decades since their first runs, the group has witnessed changes to the sport far beyond composite skis and polyurethane boots.

From Seattle Times