lignin

noun

lig·​nin ˈlig-nən How to pronounce lignin (audio)
: an amorphous polymer related to cellulose that provides rigidity and together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them

Examples of lignin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To solve the mystery, researchers dissected shipworms and analyzed their stomachs and intestines, neither of which are thought to excrete enzymes capable of destroying the lignin — the substance that forms the toughest part of wood. Erin Blakemore, Washington Post, 16 June 2024 Some of those found at Clarkia include lignin, which is the structural support tissue of plants, lipids like fats and waxes, and possibly DNA and amino acids. Robert Patalano, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 This weight loss occurred because the fungi broke down the lignin and cellulose into products that included carbon dioxide. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 1 Sep. 2023 The team wanted to compare the plastic-eating abilities of the fungal species and determine each species’ production of an enzyme that breaks apart lignin. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 1 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for lignin 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lignin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lignin was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near lignin

Cite this Entry

“Lignin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lignin. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

lignin

noun
lig·​nin ˈlig-nən How to pronounce lignin (audio)
: a substance related to cellulose that occurs in the woody cell walls of plants and in the cementing material between them

Medical Definition

lignin

noun
lig·​nin ˈlig-nən How to pronounce lignin (audio)
: an amorphous polymeric substance related to cellulose that together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them

More from Merriam-Webster on lignin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!