tissue

noun

tis·​sue ˈti-(ˌ)shü 

 chiefly British  ˈtis-(ˌ)yü

1

: a piece of soft absorbent tissue paper used especially as a handkerchief or for removing cosmetics

2

: an aggregate of cells usually of a particular kind together with their intercellular substance that form one of the structural materials of a plant or an animal

3

a

: a fine lightweight often sheer fabric

b

: mesh, network, web

a tissue of lies

tissuey

ˈti-shə-wē 

adjective

Examples of tissue in a Sentence

She wiped her nose with a tissue.

a sample of brain tissue

The drug can damage the body's tissues.

a box wrapped in tissue

Recent Examples on the Web

Monogram intends to produce and market robotic surgical equipment and related software, orthopedic implants, tissue ablation tools, navigation consumables, and other miscellaneous instrumentation necessary for reconstructive joint replacement procedures. —Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024

It shouldn’t be prescribed to men for acne, because at these high doses, can cause gynecomastia, or enlargement of breast tissue in men, Barbieri said. —Marina Kopf, NBC News, 9 Apr. 2024

The intense solar radiation emitted during an eclipse can severely damage the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision, according to NASA. —The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024

Picking your nose can damage the delicate tissue that lines the nasal passages. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 7 Apr. 2024

Although Tada’s employer doesn’t offer support, many Japanese companies are increasingly paying hay fever subsidies to keep workers healthy and productive during allergy season, and covering the cost of medical bills, nasal sprays, tissues, masks and eyedrops. —Michelle Lee, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

Shin splints become painful when inflammation develops along the tendon and muscle tissue surrounding the tibia. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Viewing the solar eclipse may also cause solar retinopathy, damage to the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, Ron Benner, OD, President of the American Optometric Association, told Verywell in an email. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2024

Researchers are currently collecting and analyzing the water the fish are in and tissue samples. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tysshewe, tyssew, a rich fabric, from Anglo-French tissue, from past participle of tistre to weave, from Latin texere — more at technical

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Phrases Containing tissue

• adipose tissue
• bathroom tissue
• connective tissue
• granulation tissue
• permanent tissue
• scar tissue
• tissue culture
• tissue fluid
• tissue of lies
• tissue paper
• tissue plasminogen activator
• vascular tissue
• woven a tissue of lies

Kids Definition

tissue

noun

tis·​sue ˈtish-ü 

1

: a fine lightweight fabric

2

: a piece of soft absorbent paper

3

: a mass or layer of cells usually of one kind together with the uniting or enclosing substance around and between them that form the basic structural materials of a plant or an animal compare connective tissue

Medical Definition

tissue

noun

tis·​sue

ˈtish-(ˌ)ü, ˈtish-ə(-w), chiefly British ˈtis-(ˌ)yü

: an aggregate of cells usually of a particular kind together with their intercellular substance that form one of the structural materials of a plant or an animal and that in animals include connective tissue, epithelium, muscle tissue, and nerve tissue