-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
Share [Findings] Humans are losing their ability to digest cellulose.
—
Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025
The heat will cause the cellulose fibers to deteriorate, causing the cloth to shrink substantially and lose absorbency.
—
Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2025
The paper cellulose bags followed, with 135 million particles per milliliter, and the mesh nylon bags leached 8.18 million.
—
Jenna Anderson, Health, 19 Jan. 2025
When used in fire retardant, ammonium phosphate can change the way the cellulose in plants reacts to heat.
—
Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cellulose ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2025-02-11--16-25-46-ew5nrj/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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 12 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share