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

Snuff products are made with molasses, corn silk, and kudzu root while pouches are made with green tea, cellulose, and glycerine. —Larry Carroll, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024

Its exfoliants are composed of two types of differently sized granules, made from biodegradable cellulose and jojoba wax beads, to effectively scrub your skin without causing any abrasions or irritation. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024

The cellulose and cotton blend cloths proved to be highly absorbent and perfect for cleaning spills, as well as regular household cleaning chores that might use many traditional paper towels. —Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2024

An Austrian company is using beechwood trees to make biodegradable cellulose net bags to hold produce. —Kim Severson, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024

One layer comprises cellulose nanocrystals, which can be extracted from renewable sources like wood, per Shen. —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 30 May 2023

Key ingredients: 5% glycolic acid, volcanic sand, microcrystalline cellulose | Base: Beads | Size: 10 oz. —Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024

Apples, avocados, bananas, and leafy green vegetables are sources of cellulose. —Julia Ries, Health, 14 Jan. 2024

The lacquer should be original—dark cellulose, with an engraving done in the Elkhart, Indiana, factory where the instruments were finished. —Chris Almeida, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2024

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

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)