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)
Read the Latest from M-W
Recent Examples of cellulose from the Web
-
The brand Glitter Revolution makes their environmentally safe glitter from plant cellulose making it a renewable source of sparkle.
-
Companies could use the fibers the FDA has already cleared, including psyllium husk and cellulose.
-
Finally, Woodruff was slathered in a cellulose slime—actually a food-thickening agent.
-
Qin plans to experiment with cellulose and silk -- organic materials with high carbon content.
-
Depending on the type, they may be grown for edible shoots, cellulose fiber for the production of rayon, and material so strong it is used for ladders, bridges, tall buildings, swords – and bamboo canes for staking plants.
-
Its dietary staple—cellulose, an essential fibre in plants—is the most abundant biological material on Earth.
-
The remaining cellulose structure is compatible with human tissue.
-
A new study in Biomaterials showed that that scientists can remove all of the plant cells holding the structure together, leaving just the cellulose scaffolding.
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
CELLULOSE Defined for English Language Learners
cellulose
playDefinition 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
playDefinition 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
playMedical 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 (as paper, rayon, and cellophane)
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
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up cellulose? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!