— ureal, ureic , adj.
/yoo ree"euh, yoor"ee euh/ , n.
1. Biochem. a compound, CO(NH 2 ) 2 , occurring in urine and other body fluids as a product of protein metabolism.
2. Chem. a water-soluble powder form of this compound, obtained by the reaction of liquid ammonia and liquid carbon dioxide: used as a fertilizer, animal feed, in the synthesis of plastics, resins, and barbiturates, and in medicine as a diuretic and in the diagnosis of kidney function. Also called carbamide .
[ 1800-10; urée; ult. oûron urine or oureîn to urinate; see URO- 1 ]