1 cellulose | Definition of cellulose

cellulose

noun
cel·​lu·​lose | \ ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs How to pronounce cellulose (audio) , -ˌlōz\

Definition of cellulose

: 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 best samples had many kinds of living organisms in them, with masses of dead mould, bits of cellulose, various colored particles, shreds of hair, bristles, etc. Rick Barrett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Margarine smugglers, a deadly milk war and more flavor Wisconsin's dairy history," 28 Aug. 2019 Recent breakthroughs in producing plastics from cellulose or lignin (the dry matter in plants) promise to overcome those drawbacks. Javier Garcia Martinez, Scientific American, "Bioplastics Could Solve a Major Pollution Problem," 1 July 2019 Here's a fun fact: Most hot dog casings are actually cellulose, which is removed before packaging, sort of like a mold. Aj Willingham, CNN, "National Hot Dog Day: So what's actually in a hot dog?," 17 July 2019 Or technicians can rinse plant cells off of plants in a process called decellularization and repopulate the cellulose framework that’s left behind with animal cells. Natalie R. Rubio, The Conversation, "So far cultured meat has been burgers – the next big challenge is animal-free steaks," 5 July 2019 Some common biomaterials for food applications include cellulose from plants, a carbohydrate called chitosan from mushrooms and a carbohydrate called alginate from algae. Natalie R. Rubio, The Conversation, "So far cultured meat has been burgers – the next big challenge is animal-free steaks," 5 July 2019 Only two plants in North Carolina produce cellulose and gelatin capsules domestically, making about 10 billion a year. Rachel Layne, CBS News, "Instant Pots to bibles: Where Trump's China tariffs could hit," 25 June 2019 It can be effectively blown over existing insulation and is available in fiberglass, cellulose, and mineral wool. Timothy Dahl, Popular Mechanics, "How to Choose the Attic Insulation Your Home Needs," 13 Jan. 2019 The researchers found their answer in a mix of cellulose fibers and chitin, a material commonly found in many animal shells. Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Future 'Plastic' Could Be Made From Trees and Crab Shells," 1 Aug. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cellulose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of cellulose

1848, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cellulose

French, from cellule living cell, from New Latin cellula

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More Definitions for cellulose

cellulose

noun

English Language Learners Definition of cellulose

: a substance that is the main part of the cell walls of plants and that is used in making various products (such as paper)

cellulose

noun
cel·​lu·​lose | \ ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs How to pronounce cellulose (audio) \

Kids Definition of cellulose

: a substance that is the chief part of the cell walls of plants and is used in making various products (as paper and rayon)

cellulose

noun
cel·​lu·​lose | \ ˈsel-yə-ˌlōs, -ˌlōz How to pronounce cellulose (audio) \

Medical Definition of cellulose

: 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)

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More from Merriam-Webster on cellulose

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with cellulose

Spanish Central: Translation of cellulose

Nglish: Translation of cellulose for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cellulose