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

The plant roots are suspended in a proprietary, patented, cellulose membrane that stretches as the plants grow. — Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Yellow jacket nests are made of spit and cellulose, the main component of paper. — Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 27 June 2026

The textile recycler restarted production at its industrial-scale facility in Ortviken, Sweden in February and regrouped with Finnish material innovator Spinnova in March to use its cellulose-rich dissolving pulp as feedstock in Spinnova’s ecosystem to produce new textile fibers. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 25 June 2026

Mixsoon Bean Collagen Hydrogel Mask Unlike traditional cotton or cellulose sheet masks, Mixsoon's Bean Collagen Hydrogel Mask molds closely to the skin, helping minimize evaporation and maximize ingredient absorption. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026

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)