cellulose

noun

cel·​lu·​lose ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs 

-ˌlōz

: a polysaccharide (C₆H₁₀O₅)_x of glucose units that constitutes the chief part of the cell walls of plants, occurs naturally in such fibrous products as cotton and kapok, and is the raw material of many manufactured goods (such as paper, rayon, and cellophane)

Examples of cellulose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nutrition Facts Apples offer soluble fiber, primarily pectin found in the flesh, and insoluble fiber, like cellulose and hemicellulose, found mainly in the skin. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025

First, the scientists developed a delayed co-culture approach for the blue-family (green-to-purple color range) violaceins by adding the color-producing bacteria only after the cellulose-producing bacteria started growing. —New Atlas, 2 Dec. 2025

Where the red ball is greased and waxed before it is finished with a thin cellulose lacquer, the white ball has extra polish applied to it and the pink ball is given a thin spray-coat of paint before they are both finished with a slightly thicker lacquer. —Matt Roller, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025

Many of these microbes appear to produce enzymes that can break down cellulose, a material used in paper, cardboard and textiles. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from cellule living cell, from New Latin cellula

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cellulose

• cellulose acetate
• cellulose nitrate
• ethyl cellulose
• regenerated cellulose

Rhymes for cellulose

• adios
• adipose
• amylose
• bellicose
• centavos
• comatose
• diagnose
• grandiose
• granulose
• levulose
• overdose
• ribulose

Kids Definition

cellulose

noun

cel·​lu·​lose ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs 

: a complex carbohydrate that is the chief part of the cell walls of plants and is commonly obtained as a white stringy substance from vegetable matter (as wood or cotton) which is used in making various products (as rayon and paper)

cellulosic

ˌsel-yə-ˈlō-sik

adjective

Medical Definition

cellulose

noun

cel·​lu·​lose ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs, -ˌlōz 

: a polysaccharide (C₆H₁₀O₅)_x of glucose units that constitutes the chief part of the cell walls of plants, occurs naturally in such fibrous products as cotton and kapok, and is the raw material of many manufactured goods (as paper, rayon, and cellophane)