thiourea: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “thiourea” mean?
A sulfur-containing organic compound with the formula SC(NH₂)₂, used in chemical synthesis and industrial processes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sulfur-containing organic compound with the formula SC(NH₂)₂, used in chemical synthesis and industrial processes.
A white crystalline solid that serves as a precursor in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and rubber chemicals, and as a reagent in analytical chemistry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond its technical chemical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and confined to technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “thiourea” in a Sentence
[thiourea] + [verb: is used as/in, acts as, serves as] + [noun phrase][verb: add, dissolve, synthesise] + [thiourea] + [prepositional phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thiourea” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The thiourea-based catalyst improved the yield.
- A thiourea-mediated reaction was studied.
American English
- The thiourea-based catalyst improved the yield.
- A thiourea-mediated reaction was studied.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Might appear in procurement documents or safety data sheets for chemical suppliers.
Academic
Common in chemistry research papers, organic synthesis textbooks, and patent literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use: chemical engineering, pharmaceutical development, analytical chemistry protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thiourea”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thiourea”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thiourea”
- Misspelling as 'thio-urea' (with a hyphen) or 'thiurea'.
- Mispronouncing the first syllable as /θiː-/ instead of /θaɪ-/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, and may cause skin and eye irritation. Always consult its Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Its main uses are in organic synthesis (as a building block or catalyst), in the production of dyes and drugs, and in some photographic processes and metal refining.
No, it is not a consumer product. It is an industrial and laboratory chemical used in manufacturing other products.
The sequence of vowel sounds and the stressed final syllable can be tricky. Breaking it into parts (thio-urea) and noting the primary stress on '-ree-' can help.
A sulfur-containing organic compound with the formula SC(NH₂)₂, used in chemical synthesis and industrial processes.
Thiourea is usually technical/scientific in register.
Thiourea: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪəʊjʊˈriːə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθaɪoʊjʊˈriːə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'THIO' for sulfur (like in 'thiol') + 'UREA' (a common nitrogen compound). It's the sulfur version of urea.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary structural feature that distinguishes thiourea from urea?