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

Polybion’s bacterial cellulose is moving from a New York runway into objects designed to be touched every day. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026

According to the Hebrew University researchers, the material’s strength is limited by the disordered distribution of wood’s cellulose fibers. — Mike McRae 16, New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026

To prevent the shreds from clumping, anti-caking agents like cellulose (a plant fiber made from wood pulp) and potato starch are often added, which can steal moisture from the cheese, affecting its texture. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Researchers developed the flexible material from cotton pulp cellulose, turning an abundant renewable material into an electrically conductive hydrogel. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 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)