urea
noun
\ yu̇-ˈrē-ə
\
\
Definition of urea
: a soluble weakly basic nitrogenous compound CO(NH2)2 that is the chief solid component of mammalian urine and an end product of protein decomposition, is synthesized from carbon dioxide and ammonia, and is used especially in synthesis (as of resins and plastics) and in fertilizers and animal rations
Examples of urea in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
To do this, the liver removes the nitrogen from the amino acids and disposes of it through the urine, in the form of a waste product called urea, Linsenmeyer explains. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Here's What Actually Happens in Your Body When You Eat Protein," 20 June 2019 In addition, Petrobras said, the ships arrived from Iran transporting urea, which is subject to sanctions by the United States. — Washington Post, "Brazil’s state oil company denies fuel to 2 Iranian ships," 19 July 2019 Levels of urea, the main chemical in urine, rise 50-fold during hibernation, and gut microbes convert that waste into cold-buffering nitrogen. — Brian Handwerk, National Geographic, "It’s not just bears: These hibernating animals may surprise you," 7 Mar. 2019 In other cases, prosecutors say companies in the British Virgin Islands and elsewhere supplied North Korea with sugar and urea fertilizer. — Niharika Mandhana And Aruna Viswanatha, WSJ, "North Korea Built an Alternative Financial System Using a Shadowy Network of Traders," 28 Dec. 2018 Lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, and shea butter are also good options. — Korin Miller, SELF, "Here’s Why You Are So Freaking Dry When You Get Off a Plane," 14 Sep. 2018 The Commission said its probe was focused on diesel emission control systems involving the injection of urea solution into exhaust to remove harmful nitrogen oxides. — Lorne Cook, The Seattle Times, "EU investigates German carmakers for possible collusion," 18 Sep. 2018 Kaleido is conducting clinical trials for a drug to treat urea cycle disorders by targeting gut chemistry. — Jonathan Saltzman, BostonGlobe.com, "Bedford startup Kaleido Biosciences raises $101 million in funding round," 25 June 2018 According to Nails magazine, the most common active ingredients found in callus-removing formulas are urea, salicylic acid (which is commonly found in acne treatments) and potassium hydroxide. — Marci Robin, Good Housekeeping, "Woman Says She Suffered Horrifying Burns on Her Foot During Salon Pedicure," 7 Nov. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'urea.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for urea
urea
noun
English Language Learners Definition of urea
technical
: a substance that contains nitrogen, is found in the urine of mammals and some fish, and is used in some kinds of fertilizer
See the full definition for urea in the English Language Learners Dictionary
urea
noun
\ yu̇-ˈrē-ə
\
\
Kids Definition of urea
: a compound of nitrogen that is the chief solid substance dissolved in the urine of a mammal and is formed by the breaking down of protein
urea
noun
\ yu̇-ˈrē-ə
\
\
Medical Definition of urea
: a soluble weakly basic nitrogenous compound CH4N2O that is the chief solid component of mammalian urine and an end product of protein decomposition and that is administered intravenously as a diuretic drug
— called also carbamide