Definition

A type of chemical compound used in making plastics and foams, often found in coatings and adhesives.

Example

The furniture was coated with a durable urethane finish to protect it from scratches.

Conversation

Have you ever worked with urethane before?

Yeah, I used it for some DIY projects last summer.

What do you think about its durability?

I found it to be really strong and reliable for my needs.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Urethan is derived from the combination of 'urea' (from Latin 'urea', meaning a compound found in urine) and 'ethanol' (from Greek 'aithēr', meaning ether or vapor). The word refers to a compound that is related to urea and is used in various chemical applications.

Memory Tip

Think of 'urea' as a compound found in urine and 'ethanol' as a type of alcohol; together, they form urethan, which is a compound used in chemistry.

Visually Confused Words