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

For the negative electrode, magnesium is used, while the electrolyte is composed of magnesium acetate, and cellulose is used for the separator. —IEEE Spectrum, 14 Nov. 2022

It was distilled four times in column stills at the distillery in Żyrardów, Poland, filtered through cellulose, and finally rested for 10 months in steel vats before bottling. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2023

For a more sustainable solution, switch to sponges made from natural, biodegradable materials such as cellulose or cotton fibers. —Lauren Krueger, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2023

The materials are nearly identical, though viscose is sourced from bamboo pulp, and rayon comes from cellulose. —Theresa Holland, Peoplemag, 16 July 2023

This is due to the cotton and modal construction—modal is a fiber made from tree cellulose, and it’s known for being silky smooth. —Jenna Clark, Southern Living, 12 July 2023

Other ingredients: vegetable cellulose, organic rice. —Kelsey Kunik, Rd, Health, 25 July 2023

However, this sponge mop features an easy-to-use level that really wrings out the 10-inch cellulose sponge to avoid excess water. —Barbara Bellesi Zito, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2023

To make this transparent, biodegradable, and edible material, the team started working with bacterial cellulose, an organic compound derived from bacteria. —Catherine Garcia, The Week, 6 July 2023

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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
• regenerated cellulose
• ethyl cellulose

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

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)