Definition

A type of plastic or a chemical compound that is used in making resins and other materials.

Example

The table is made of melamine, which makes it durable and easy to clean.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of melamine?

Yeah, I think it's used in some kitchenware, right?

Exactly! It's a type of plastic that's really durable.

I've seen plates made from melamine — they're pretty tough!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Melamine is derived from the German word 'Melamin', which is a combination of 'melam' (a compound derived from urea and formaldehyde) and the suffix '-ine' (used in chemistry to denote substances). The term 'melam' itself comes from the Arabic 'mālah', meaning 'salt' or 'alkali'. Therefore, melamine refers to a chemical compound related to these origins.

Memory Tip

Think of 'melam' as a base compound related to 'salt' or 'alkali', and remember that melamine is a chemical substance derived from these components.

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