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 • Jan. 30, 2025

The Olympics used red cinder until 1968 and the Mexico City games, which instead featured a polyurethane "Tartan" track, so-called because 3M, which made it, also made Scotch tape.

From BBC • Jul. 22, 2024

"The next step is to prepare electrothermal materials using polyurethane foam as the skeleton for oil adsorption, combining photothermal and electrothermal techniques to form an all-weather oil recovery system."

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 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

His initial Sleeping Beauty Castle was built utilizing plywood, PVC, wood turnings and cast resin veneer, but he has since updated the structure with largely polyurethane foam boards and 3D-printed materials.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2024