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)

Examples of cellulose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It can be effectively blown over existing insulation and is available in fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wool. — Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, "How to Choose the Attic Insulation Your Home Needs," 13 Jan. 2019 The researchers found their answer in a mix of cellulose fibers and chitin, a material commonly found in many animal shells. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Future 'Plastic' Could Be Made From Trees and Crab Shells," 1 Aug. 2018 Instead, the main components of wood are cellulose and lignin. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Lumber’s lure: Thanks to physics, viable biofuel may grow in the woods," 5 Apr. 2018 What's in it: Dextrose (sugar), Reb A (extract from the stevia plant), cellulose powder (fiber), natural flavors. — Molly Kimball, NOLA.com, "Guide to plant-based sweeteners, such as Stevia, Truvia," 8 May 2018 On Wednesday, International Paper announced two additional executive shifts with Jean-Michel Ribieras, currently senior vice president, global cellulose fibers, replacing Mr. Nicholls at the Americas division. — Tatyana Shumsky, WSJ, "International Paper CFO Glenn Landau Resigns as Timothy Nicholls Returns to Role," 20 June 2018 Fillers found in low-quality dry foods, like cellulose, can cause the same problem. — Marygrace Taylor, Good Housekeeping, "6 Things Your Dog's Poop Can Tell You About Its Health," 13 Apr. 2017 It straws, made of natural cellulose paper, are also completely compostable and biodegradable. — Sarah Bowman, Indianapolis Star, "Aardvark paper straws: This Fort Wayne company has your plastic straw alternative," 24 June 2018 Unexpectedly, cotton shows up on the list, but that is because it is sometimes used as a source of cellulose (and not a Catch-22 situation). — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "USDA wants public comments on its plan to label GMO foods," 9 May 2018

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.