lignin

noun

lig·​nin ˈlig-nən 

: 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

First, the researchers boil samples of wood in a watery mixture of sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfite, which works to partially remove lignin and hemicellulose from the material. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 22 May 2025

This causes the cellulose (and remaining lignin) to swell, expanding inwards to fill the lumen. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 25 Mar. 2025

This wood is chosen for its tight grain and natural flavor compounds, such as lignin and tannins. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Wood consists of three main components: cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lignin

• chignon
• mignon

Kids Definition

lignin

noun

lig·​nin ˈlig-nən 

: 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 

: an amorphous polymeric substance related to cellulose that together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them