cellulose

[ sel-yuh-lohs ]

noun

1. an inert carbohydrate, (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n, the chief constituent of the cell walls of plants and of wood, cotton, hemp, paper, etc.

cellulose

/ -ˌləʊs; ˈsɛljʊˌləʊz /

noun

1. a polysaccharide consisting of long unbranched chains of linked glucose units: the main constituent of plant cell walls and used in making paper, rayon, and film

cellulose

/ sĕl′yə-lōs′ /

1. A carbohydrate that is a polymer composed of glucose units and that is the main component of the cell walls of most plants. It is insoluble in water and is used to make paper, cellophane, textiles, explosives, and other products.
2. See cellulose acetate

cellulose

1. A stringy, fibrous substance that forms the main material in the cell walls of plants. Cellulose is an organic molecule (see also organic molecules ), composed of carbon , hydrogen , and oxygen .

Derived Forms

• ˌcelluˈlosic, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• cel·lu·los·i·ty [sel-y, uh, -, los, -i-tee], noun
• semi·cellu·lose noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellulose¹

1745–55; < New Latin cellul ( a ) live cell ( cellular ) + -ose ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of cellulose¹

C18: from French cellule cell (see cellule ) + -ose ²

Example Sentences

As the mold digests the proteins and starch within the fibrous pulp, it also breaks down the cellulose, turning what remains into a dish beloved by many across western Indonesia.

From Salon

The process involves blending three main components -- carbon nanotubes, polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethyl cellulose -- followed by freeze-drying.

From Science Daily

Biofuel production relies on the breakdown of compounds like starch or cellulose into glucose, which can then be efficiently fermented into ethanol for use as a fuel or converted into other useful materials.

From Science Daily

Included in Wednesday’s sanctions announcement are importers of cotton cellulose and nitrocellulose — used to produce gunpowder, rocket propellants and other explosives.

From Seattle Times

The cellulose insulation is a great electrical insulator essential in the process of 'stepping down' voltage, but it also traps heat, which can lead to overheating.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• glucose
• lactose
• starch
• sugar