: 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
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When burned, the wood produces a rich, aromatic smoke due to high lignin levels, which imparts a more intense flavor than oak or hickory, with earthy cumin undertones and a mild sweetness.
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Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025
While in this energized state, the lignin functions as a photoacid, transferring protons to the histidine inside the solid material.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
Examples of insoluble fiber in supplements include cellulose, corn bran, and lignins.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 Nov. 2025
Twenty-seven years later, its pages are vanilla-sweet, from the decaying lignin; the imprint was long ago absorbed into another.
—Carmen Maria MacHado, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
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Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025
While in this energized state, the lignin functions as a photoacid, transferring protons to the histidine inside the solid material.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
Examples of insoluble fiber in supplements include cellulose, corn bran, and lignins.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 Nov. 2025
Twenty-seven years later, its pages are vanilla-sweet, from the decaying lignin; the imprint was long ago absorbed into another.
—Carmen Maria MacHado, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lignin
Cite this Entry
“Lignin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lignin. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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