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 team also highlighted that the zinc-cellulose antenna is rolled up and placed inside a capsule along with the drug to be delivered. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026

For reference, Blue Bell has the same first three ingredients, but also includes high fructose corn syrup, vanilla flavor, cellulose gum, vegetable gums, and annatto color. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026

Known for its scientific solution to the mounting mountain of textile waste, Eeden’s chemical recycling technology recovers pure cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) building blocks from cotton-polyester blends. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 Dec. 2025

Nutrition Facts Apples offer soluble fiber, primarily pectin found in the flesh, and insoluble fiber, like cellulose and hemicellulose, found mainly in the skin. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2025

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)