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 citric acid reacted with the cellulose to form cross-links, which are chemical junctions that bind the cellulose molecules. —J. Carson Meredith, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2026

Photographic film is a light-sensitive cellulose material used for making images, by exposing the silver-halide coating through the camera lens to create a latent image on the film that's then used for making photographic prints. —ABC News, 11 Mar. 2026

The Circ Fiber Club partner said its regenerated cellulose fibers come from renewable wood and are certified biodegradable and compostable, positioning them as lower-emission alternatives to synthetics. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Mar. 2026

Termites live in colonies and feed on cellulose, usually from decaying trees, branches, and lumber. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 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)