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

To further improve flexibility, the team incorporated a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer matrix into the ExciPh layer.

From Science Daily

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