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 cellulose boards used on the underside of the roof were treated only with a simple varnish to create a raw concrete effect. —Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 10 Dec. 2024

Researchers developed a cheap and effective sponge-like filter to remove microplastics from water using cellulose fibers from cotton and chitin from squid exoskeletons. —Alex Knapp, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Fortunately, most kitchen sponges are made of cellulose or wood pulp that will biodegrade over time. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2024

The flour has more impurities–the protein and cellulose–which make the mixture more viscous and unable to form fibers. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Nov. 2024

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

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)