celluloid

cel·lu·loid | \ ˈsel-yə-ˌlȯid

How to pronounce celluloid (audio)

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Definition of celluloid

1 : a tough flammable thermoplastic composed essentially of cellulose nitrate and camphor

2 : a motion-picture film a work … making its third appearance on celluloid— John McCarten

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Examples of celluloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In 2004, Christopher Reeve, the ‘‘Superman’’ of celluloid who became a quadriplegic after a May 1995 horse riding accident, died in Mount Kisco, N.Y., at age 52. — BostonGlobe.com, "In 1845, the Naval Academy was established in Annapolis, Md.," 10 Oct. 2019 Thursday’s packed house saluted this Beethoven of celluloid, a spry 86-year-old, with a standing ovation before he had conducted a note. — John Von Rhein, chicagotribune.com, "John Williams explores galaxies far and near in enjoyable CSO program of his film music," 27 Apr. 2018 In 2015, a group of filmmakers including Christopher Nolan spearheaded an effort to keep Kodak — the last remaining maker of motion picture film — producing celluloid as a creative option for filmmakers. — Carolyn Giardina, The Hollywood Reporter, "From 'Dunkirk' to 'The Post,' Some Key Oscar Contenders Relied on Film," 25 Dec. 2017 Besides billiard balls, celluloid was used to make lady’s combs and other fashion products like buttons, collars and dentures. — Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "Once Upon a Time, Exploding Billiard Balls Were An Everyday Thing," 6 Apr. 2017 Lensed on celluloid in big-sky Montana, the old-fashioned picture will win the hearts of some viewers simply by existing. — John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, "'The Ballad of Lefty Brown': Film Review," 15 Oct. 2017 And how much could conductor Richard Kaufman contribute hemmed in by the pace of celluloid? — Peter Dobrin, Philly.com, "Philadelphia Orchestra and Amadeus: still a big tease," 22 Sep. 2017 Besides billiard balls, celluloid was used to make lady’s combs and other fashion products like buttons, collars and dentures. — Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "Once Upon a Time, Exploding Billiard Balls Were An Everyday Thing," 6 Apr. 2017 That’s because the balls were made of celluloid, an early plastic that was, unfortunately, combustible. — Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "Once Upon a Time, Exploding Billiard Balls Were An Everyday Thing," 6 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'celluloid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

17 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Celluloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/celluloid. Accessed 22 Feb. 2020.

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