u·re·thane / ˈyoŏrəˌ[unvoicedth]ān/ • n. Chem. a synthetic crystalline compound, CO(NH₂)OC₂H₅, used in making pesticides and fungicides, and formerly as an anesthetic. ∎ short for polyurethane.

urethane Ethyl carbamate, used as intermediate in organic syntheses, as a solubilizer, and as the precursor for polyurethane foam. Found in small amounts in liqueurs made from stone fruits, wines, and some distilled spirits where it is formed by reaction between alcohol and nitrogenous compounds; a cause for concern since it is genotoxic.