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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
When the element is exposed to moist air, the bottom-layer cellulose filaments respond by swelling/expanding.
—New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2025
As its heated, the components in the retardant prevent the cellulose in plant matter from fueling the fire, according to Perimeter Solutions.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025
Phos-Chek's maker says the reaction between the retardant and cellulose consumes heat energy from the approaching fire and produces non-flammable carbon material.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025
Already 15 years ago, Studio Gang bent lengths of glulam to form a kind of cellulose chicken wire for a pavilion at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
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Word History
Etymology
French, from cellule living cell, from New Latin cellula
First Known Use
1848, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing cellulose
Dictionary Entries Near cellulose
Cite this Entry
“Cellulose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cellulose. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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
adjective
ˌsel-yə-ˈlō-sik
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)
More from Merriam-Webster on cellulose
Nglish: Translation of cellulose for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cellulose
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