Definition

A type of synthetic material made from a combination of chemicals, used for making flexible and rigid foams, coatings, and adhesives.

Example

The furniture is made of polyurethane, which makes it both durable and comfortable.

Conversation

Have you ever used polyurethane for any home projects?

Yeah, I used it to coat my table, and it turned out great.

I’ve heard it’s really durable; do you think it will last long?

Definitely! Polyurethane is known for its toughness and resistance to wear.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Polyurethane → It is formed from "poly-" (from Greek "polus", meaning many) and "urethane" (derived from "urea", which is a compound containing nitrogen). The word "polyurethane" refers to a polymer made from many urea units, indicating its structure as a compound formed from multiple components.

Memory Tip

Think of 'many' ('poly-') urea units coming together to form a versatile material — that's what polyurethane is.

Visually Confused Words