polyurethane

[ pol-ee-yoo r-uh-theyn, -yoo-reth-eyn ]
/ ˌpɒl iˈyʊər əˌθeɪn, -yʊˈrɛθ eɪn /

noun Chemistry.

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.
Also pol·y·u·re·than [pol-ee-yoo r-uh-than] /ˌpɒl iˈyʊər əˌθæn/.

Origin of polyurethane

First recorded in 1940–45; poly- + urethane

Words nearby polyurethane

polytrophic, polytunnel, polytypic, polyunsaturate, polyunsaturated, polyurethane, polyuria, polyvalent, polyvalent allergy, polyvalent serum, polyvalent vaccine

British Dictionary definitions for polyurethane

polyurethane

polyurethan (ˌpɒlɪˈjʊərəˌθæn)

/ (ˌpɒlɪˈjʊərəˌθeɪn) /

noun

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

Scientific definitions for polyurethane

polyurethane
[ pŏl′ē-yur′ə-thān′ ]

Any of various synthetic resins used to make tough resistant coatings, adhesives, foams, and electrical insulation.