polyurethane

[ pol-ee-yoor-uh-theyn, -yoo-reth-eyn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.

polyurethane

/ ˌpɒlɪˈjʊərəˌθæn; ˌpɒlɪˈjʊərəˌθeɪn /

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

polyurethane

/ pŏl′ē-yr′ə-thān′ /

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

First recorded in 1940–45; poly- + urethane

Not surprisingly, then, in 2010 there was a ban on buoyant polyurethane swimsuits.

Horrific: Of course, the movie's real star is the Great White Shark—a 25-foot polyurethane mechanical marvel nicknamed Bruce.

Browse