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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
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
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Word History
Etymology
French, from cellule living cell, from New Latin cellula
First Known Use
1848, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing cellulose
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
: 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
adjective
ˌsel-yə-ˈlō-sik
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)
More from Merriam-Webster on cellulose
Nglish: Translation of cellulose for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cellulose
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