celluloid

noun

cel·​lu·​loid ˈsel-yə-ˌlȯid 

1

: a tough flammable thermoplastic composed essentially of cellulose nitrate and camphor

2

: a motion-picture film

a work … making its third appearance on celluloid

—John McCarten

celluloid adjective

Examples of celluloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their stories, and their essence, live within these pixels the way the Holocaust was captured on celluloid. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Dec. 2024

Unfortunately, his popularity on celluloid has never translated to video game pixels. —Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024

So did the use of celluloid help create some of the story’s inherent pressure? —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Oct. 2024

Themes of entrapment, unrequited love and loss penetrate the screen, with Lachman conveying the narrative through a bespoke aesthetic captured on different celluloid formats. —Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from Celluloid, a trademark

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

celluloid

noun

cel·​lu·​loid ˈsel-(y)ə-ˌlȯid 

1

: a tough flammable plastic

2

: a motion-picture film

watch a western on celluloid