cellulose

noun cel·lu·lose \ ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs , -ˌlōz \

Definition of cellulose

: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)

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Recent Examples of cellulose from the Web

The cellulose concerns last year stemmed from a Bloomberg News story that conducted a test of various cheese products with an independent laboratory.

— greg trotter, chicagotribune.com, "Parmesan cheese lawsuits shredded, but legal battle may persist," 29 Aug. 2017
Veggie burgers often have 20 or more ingredients, including non-nutritive cornstarch and thickeners such as methyl cellulose.

— cara rosenbloom, charlotteobserver, "The lies you’re fed: 6 ‘healthy’ foods that aren’t," 22 Aug. 2017
Malleable, versatile celluloid—a polymer made from the cellulose in cotton—was first developed in 1869 with the goal of making an elephant-free billiard ball.

— rachel riederer, New Republic, "Sailing to the Pacific Ocean’s Trash Vortex," 22 Aug. 2017
This is supposed to be a real book, not a lump of campaign cellulose.

— kyle smith, National Review, "Al Franken, Un-Funny Man of the Senate," 7 Aug. 2017
Cupro, for example, is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from cotton linter — the silky fibers that stick to the seeds of the cotton plant after it has been ginned.

— rosemary feitelberg | wwd, latimes.com, "Fashion is the new acting for "Orange Is the New Black" actress Alysia Reiner," 25 July 2017
The brand Glitter Revolution makes their environmentally safe glitter from plant cellulose making it a renewable source of sparkle.

— allison schmidt, Allure, "The Truth About How Glitter Really Affects the Environment," 29 June 2017
Companies could use the fibers the FDA has already cleared, including psyllium husk and cellulose.

— candice choi, The Seattle Times, "Snacks with added fiber a part of Nutrition Facts delay," 15 June 2017
Finally, Woodruff was slathered in a cellulose slime—actually a food-thickening agent.

— darryn king, VanityFair.com, "The Unsung Hero of the Alien Franchise: The Guy Inside the Xenomorph Suit," 18 May 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of cellulose

French, from cellule living cell, from New Latin cellula

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First Known Use: 1848

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CELLULOSE Defined for English Language Learners

cellulose

noun

Definition of cellulose for English Language Learners

: a substance that is the main part of the cell walls of plants and that is used in making various products (such as paper)

CELLULOSE Defined for Kids

cellulose

noun cel·lu·lose \ ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs \

Definition of cellulose for Students

:a substance that is the chief part of the cell walls of plants and is used in making various products (as paper and rayon)

Medical Dictionary

cellulose

noun cel·lu·lose \ ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs, -ˌlōz \

medical Definition of cellulose

Learn More about cellulose

See words that rhyme with cellulose Spanish Central: Translation of cellulose Nglish: Translation of cellulose for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cellulose

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cellulose

Definition of cellulose

Recent Examples of cellulose from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cellulose

CELLULOSE Defined for English Language Learners

cellulose

Definition of cellulose for English Language Learners

CELLULOSE Defined for Kids

cellulose

Definition of cellulose for Students

Medical Dictionary

cellulose

medical Definition of cellulose

Learn More about cellulose

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cellulose

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cellulose

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cellulose

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