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

The study centers on protein-cellulose scaffolds—supportive frameworks made from protein and cellulose that hold and organize other materials—that could be relevant for uses requiring lightweight, durable materials. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026

Beyond methanol, the researchers successfully extracted hydrogen from diverse sources, including other alcohols and raw biomass materials like glucose and cellulose. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026

About 20 percent of their wood-digesting enzyme activity happens in the hindgut, often with help from symbiotic microbes that break down cellulose. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

About 20 percent of the roaches’ wood-digesting enzyme activity happens in the hindgut, often with help from symbiotic microbes that break down cellulose. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from cellule living cell, from New Latin cellula

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cellulose

• cellulose acetate
• cellulose nitrate
• ethyl cellulose
• regenerated cellulose

Rhymes for cellulose

• adios
• adipose
• amylose
• bellicose
• centavos
• comatose
• diagnose
• grandiose
• granulose
• levulose
• overdose
• ribulose

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

ˌsel-yə-ˈlō-sik

adjective

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)