noun
urea
yuh-REE-uh
Urea (noun) means a water-soluble organic compound produced when the body breaks down proteins and passed out of the body in urine. Example: “Urea is formed in the body as protein is broken down.”
noun
1
A water-soluble organic compound produced when the body breaks down proteins and passed out of the body in urine.
"Urea is formed in the body as protein is broken down."
"The blood test measured the level of urea in her blood."
"Urea passes out of the body in urine."
How to use urea
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUrea is the waste substance the body makes from protein and gets rid of in urine.
When to use it
Urea is a technical term used mainly in chemistry and medicine.
Memory tip
Remember that urea relates to urine, since both words share the same Greek root.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
urea levels
urea in the blood
urea test
blood urea
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_____ is formed in the body as protein is broken down.
Etymology
Urea comes from New Latin, which took the word from French urée, itself from the Ancient Greek word for urine, oûron.
Synonyms
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carbamide
Rhymes for urea
See all rhymes for urea →Frequently asked questions
What is urea?
Urea is a water-soluble compound produced when the body breaks down proteins and is removed from the body in urine.
What is another word for urea?
Urea is also called carbamide.
Where does the word urea come from?
It comes from New Latin, borrowed from French urée, which traces back to the Ancient Greek word for urine.
What is the meaning of urea?
"urea" (noun) means a water-soluble organic compound produced when the body breaks down proteins and passed out of the body in urine.
