cellulolytic

adjective

cel·lu·lo·lyt·ic ˌsel-yə-lō-ˈli-tik

: hydrolyzing or having the capacity to hydrolyze cellulose

Word History

Etymology

cellulose + -o- + -lytic

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cellulolytic was in 1943

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Browse Nearby Words

celluloid

cellulolytic

Cellulomonas

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Cellulolytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cellulolytic. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cellulolytic

adjective

cel·lu·lo·lyt·ic ˌsel-yə-lō-ˈlit-ik

: hydrolyzing or having the capacity to hydrolyze cellulose

cellulolytic bacteria

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