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

Studies reported that bamboo shoots may improve metabolic health and blood sugar control, and its fiber content – cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin – could benefit bowel function. —New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2026

The most common options include rigid foam insulation, cellulose insulation, spray foam insulation, and fiberglass insulation; the most affordable and easiest to work with for DIYers is fiberglass insulation. —Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 17 Jan. 2026

Despite being just 1 mm thick and mostly transparent, this film is incredibly rugged — four times tougher than standard cellulose even after being soaked in battery chemicals. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026

For reference, Blue Bell has the same first three ingredients, but also includes high fructose corn syrup, vanilla flavor, cellulose gum, vegetable gums, and annatto color. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 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)