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

She’s spent decades exploring how natural materials such as wood and cellulose can replace plastics and help industries reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026

Spraying every potential cellulose-containing surface in your yard also isn’t practical. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 May 2026

The key carbohydrates in this tropical fruit include starch, sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose), and non-starch polysaccharides (such as pectin and cellulose), which comprise part of dietary fiber. —Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026

Wood or bamboo cutting boards, cellulose sponges, coconut coir scrubbers and natural dish brushes are also commonly recommended alternatives. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026

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)