u·re·a (y -r   )n. A water-soluble compound, CO(NH2)2, that is the major nitrogenous end product of protein metabolism and is the chief nitrogenous component of the urine in mammals and other organisms. Also called carbamide. [New Latin, from French urée, from urine, urine, from Old French, from Latin  r na; see urine.] |
urea [ˈjʊərɪə]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) a white water-soluble crystalline compound with a saline taste and often an odour of ammonia, produced by protein metabolism and excreted in urine. A synthetic form is used as a fertilizer, animal feed, and in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: CO(NH2)2 Also called carbamide
[from New Latin, from French urée, from Greek ouron urine]
ureal , ureic adj
| urea (y-r) The chief nitrogen-containing waste product excreted in the urine of mammals and some fish. It is the final nitrogenous product in the breakdown of proteins by the body, during which amino groups (NH2) are removed from amino acids and converted into ammonium ions (NH4), which are toxic at high concentrations. The liver then converts the ammonium ions into urea. Urea is also made artificially for use in fertilizers and medicine. Chemical formula: CON2H4. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | urea - the chief solid component of mammalian urine; synthesized from ammonia and carbon dioxide and used as fertilizer and in animal feed and in plastics organic compound - any compound of carbon and another element or a radical |
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