cellulose

noun

cel·​lu·​lose ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs How to pronounce cellulose (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Small grains have less starch and more cellulose, which is more aggressive for machines and can clog filters. Sybille De La Hamaide, Reuters, 26 Sep. 2024 On a more technical level, it's made from cellulose fibers that undergo treatment with sulfuric acid or zinc chloride, which partially dissolves the paper's surface to create a barrier that can resist moisture and high temperatures. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2024 Lenzing is the leading supplier of regenerated cellulose fibers for the textile and nonwovens industries. Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019 Share [Findings] Humans are losing their ability to digest cellulose. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cellulose 

Word History

Etymology

French, from cellule living cell, from New Latin cellula

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cellulose was in 1848

Dictionary Entries Near cellulose

Cite this Entry

“Cellulose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cellulose. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cellulose

noun
cel·​lu·​lose ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs How to pronounce cellulose (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce cellulose (audio)
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on cellulose

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