tissue

American  

[tish-oo, tis-yoo] / ˈtɪʃ u, ˈtɪs yu /

noun

1. Biology. an aggregate of similar cells and cell products forming a definite kind of structural material with a specific function, in a multicellular organism.

2. tissue paper.

3. any of several kinds of soft gauzy papers used for various purposes.

   cleansing tissue; toilet tissue.

4. an interwoven or interconnected series or mass.

   a tissue of falsehoods.

5. a piece of thin writing paper on which carbon copies are made.

6. a woven fabric, especially one of light or gauzy texture, originally woven with gold or silver.

   a blouse of a delicate tissue.

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verb (used with object)

tissued, tissuing

1. to remove (a cosmetic or cream) with a facial tissue (often followed byoff ).

   Tissue all cosmetics off the face before going to bed.

2. to weave, especially with threads of gold and silver.

tissue British  

/ ˈtɪʃuː, ˈtɪsjuː /

noun

1. a part of an organism consisting of a large number of cells having a similar structure and function

   connective tissue

   nerve tissue

2. a thin piece of soft absorbent paper, usually of two or more layers, used as a disposable handkerchief, towel, etc

3. See tissue paper

4. an interwoven series

   a tissue of lies

5. a woven cloth, esp of a light gauzy nature, originally interwoven with threads of gold or silver

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verb

1. rare to weave into tissue

2. to decorate or clothe with tissue or tissue paper

tissue Scientific  

/ tĭsh′o̅o̅ /

1. A large mass of similar cells that make up a part of an organism and perform a specific function. The internal organs and connective structures (including bone and cartilage) of vertebrates, and cambium, xylem, and phloem in plants are made up of different types of tissue.

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Other Word Forms

• intertissued adjective
• tissual adjective
• tissuey adjective
• untissued adjective

Etymology

Origin of tissue

1325–75; Middle English tissew, variant of tissu < Middle French, Old French, noun use of past participle of tistre to weave < Latin texere

Example Sentences

Known for its tech-forward treatments in blood circulation, tissue health and cellular vitality, the studio offers therapies for toning skin, relieving muscle soreness and lymphatic drainage.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

"Growth hormone not only helps you build your muscle and bones and reduce your fat tissue, but may also have cognitive benefits, promoting your overall arousal level when you wake up," Ding said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

IPF is a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by irreversible scarring and stiffening of lung tissue.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Duong was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer, shortly after the Palisades fire rained ash on his family’s West L.A. apartment in 2025.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

I folded the tissue over on itself once, then twice, then three times.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Related Words

• balance
• character
• composition
• consistency
• fabric
• feeling
• makeup
• nature
• pattern
• quality
• sense
• smoothness
• structure
• surface
• taste
• touch