# polyurethane

/ˌpɑˌɫiˈʊɹəˌθeɪn/ (US) · /pˌɒlɪjˈuːɹiːθˌeɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polyurethane
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a strong, flexible plastic used to make things like foam for chairs, coatings for floors, and parts for cars. It is often used because it is durable and can be made soft or hard.

For teachers: a synthetic polymer derived from organic diisocyanates and polyols, used in the production of foams, coatings, and elastomers. Often abbreviated as PU in technical contexts.

## Examples

- The sofa is covered in a soft polyurethane foam.
- The factory replaced the old rubber seals with polyurethane to improve the durability of the car doors.
- Engineers selected a high-density polyurethane for the insulation project because it provides superior thermal resistance while remaining lightweight enough for the structural requirements.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.