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)
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Recent Examples of cellulose from the Web
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Rice straw, like cotton and linen, is mainly composed of the dense plant fiber cellulose.
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
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: 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
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See words that rhyme with cellulose Spanish Central: Translation of cellulose Nglish: Translation of cellulose for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cellulose
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