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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of polyurethane

First recorded in 1940–45; poly- + urethane

Example Sentences

Even though she hired a builder with green credentials, she spotted him using a can of spray polyurethane foam – essentially a type of plastic – for insulation.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

My favorites may be the palm-printed sports shirts hanging on a white wooden palm tree-clothes rack, and artist Jeff Sanders’ metal and polyurethane palm tree.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2025

Oxford is now installing a new polyurethane surface at Iffley, where Sir Roger set that record 70 years ago.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2024

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 • May 22, 2024

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 • Mar. 20, 2024