nitrocellulose

[ nahy-truh-sel-yuh-lohs ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a group of nitric esters of cellulose, used in the manufacture of lacquers and explosives: used as a film base in the early days of filmmaking, nitrocellulose is now a common component of multilayered film structures, especially cellophane.

nitrocellulose

/ ˌnaɪtrəʊˈsɛljʊˌləʊs /

noun

1. another name (not in chemical usage) for cellulose nitrate

nitrocellulose

/ nī′trō-sĕl′yə-lōs′ /

1. A pulpy or cottonlike polymer derived from cellulose treated with sulfuric and nitric acids. It is used in the manufacture of explosives, plastics, and solid propellants.

Other Words From

• ni·tro·cel·lu·lo·sic ni·tro·cel·lu·lous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrocellulose¹

First recorded in 1880–85; nitro- + cellulose

Example Sentences

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 plant located in the town of Bergerac specializes in making nitrocellulose, a highly flammable chemical compound.

From Seattle Times

The disc is made of aluminium, treated with a layer of nitrocellulose then coated with a sapphire and quartz gradient, but is playable on any regular turntable.

From BBC

According to filmmaker Paul Mothersole, who has studied the tragedy for 15 years, the film operator spotted a reel of nitrocellulose film which had begun to smoulder.

From BBC

One town, Nitro, even gets its name from a chemical — the nitrocellulose produced there for explosives.

From New York Times