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

As the pellets came into contact with the hot bitumen, their synthetic wax melted, releasing the cellulose and PLA fibers into the asphalt matrix. —Ben Coxworth july 24, New Atlas, 24 July 2025

Seaweed, particularly sugar kelp, naturally fills these gaps with a potent mix of insoluble fibers such as fucoidan, beta-glucan, alginate, and cellulose. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

This clarifying shampoo scrub combines tea tree oil, BHAs, and physical microcrystalline cellulose to gently slough away flakes and dead skin. —Kristine Thomason, Glamour, 20 June 2025

Highlighting its focus on innovation and sustainability, manmade cellulose fiber producer Sateri recently unveiled a new generation of eco-friendly fibers at China’s biggest yarn exhibition. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 5 May 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)