polyurethane

noun

poly·​ure·​thane ˌpä-lē-ˈyu̇r-ə-ˌthān How to pronounce polyurethane (audio)
: any of various polymers that contain NHCOO linkages and are used especially in flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, and resins (as for coatings)

Examples of polyurethane in a Sentence

The floor will need two coats of polyurethane.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Mach 1 boots also use a polyurethane plastic with a thickness adjusted to enhance vibration damping and stability. Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024 Everything from polyurethane foams with formaldehyde and TCEP (a flame retardant) to phthalates can end up in nonorganic mattresses, off-gassing into your home. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024 The Balenciaga Reptile Sneaker is made completely free of leather, instead using polyurethane and polyester to make up the multi-layered sneaker. Riley Jones For Footwear News, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2024 Specializing in polyurethanes and epoxies, the company has since built, among other things, transparent body shields for the US Army, coatings of fuel tank plates for Boeing airplanes, and the outer layers of multiple brands of golf balls. Alex Prewitt, WIRED, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for polyurethane 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polyurethane was in 1939

Dictionary Entries Near polyurethane

Cite this Entry

“Polyurethane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polyurethane. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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