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

Wood or bamboo cutting boards, cellulose sponges, coconut coir scrubbers and natural dish brushes are also commonly recommended alternatives. —Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026

Use natural dish scrubbers made from cellulose, coconut coir or loofah instead of synthetic sponges. —Ryan Brennan may 11, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026

The electrodes were constructed by casting a slurry onto aluminum foil using binders such as polyvinylidene fluoride, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and styrene-butadiene rubber, along with conductive carbon additives. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026

Fiber, which consists primarily of cellulose, is a polysaccharide with glucose molecules that are linked using a beta bond. —Julie Pollock, The Conversation, 1 May 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)