polyurethane

Meaning

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   A synthetic plastic that can be made soft and spongy or hard and tough, used in foam, paints, varnishes and insulation.

   Grammar: Usually uncountable: a layer of polyurethane. A countable use is rare.

   Patterns

   • coated in polyurethane
   • polyurethane for something

   The sofa cushions are filled with polyurethane foam.

   He sealed the oak floor with two coats of polyurethane.

   Skateboard wheels are often made from polyurethane because it grips well and lasts.

Common combinations

polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam is used in mattresses and car seats.

polyurethane varnish

Polyurethane varnish protects the table from spills.

polyurethane coating

The boat has a polyurethane coating against water damage.

apply polyurethane

Apply polyurethane in thin, even layers.

polyurethane sealant

A polyurethane sealant filled the gap around the window.

Synonyms and how they differ

PU

PU is the common abbreviation, used on product labels and in industry rather than in full sentences.

urethane

Urethane is a looser everyday term, often used by woodworkers, though strictly it names a different chemical group.

foam rubber

Foam rubber is a more general cushioning material that may be natural or synthetic, whereas polyurethane is always a specific synthetic polymer.

Word family

polymer noun

a substance made of long chains of repeating units

urethane noun

a chemical group from which polyurethane is built

polyester noun

another synthetic polymer, often used for fabric

polystyrene noun

a different light plastic used for packaging

Commonly confused: polyurethane or polystyrene?

Practice

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