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cellulose

The definition of cellulose is the main substance that makes up the cell walls and fibers of plants.

(noun)

An example of cellulose is the 30% of a tree that can be made into paper.

See cellulose in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the chief substance composing the cell walls or fibers of all plant tissue, a polymeric carbohydrate with the general formula (CHO): it is used in the manufacture of paper, textiles, explosives, etc.

Origin: Fr < L cellula (see cellule) + Fr -ose, -ose

See cellulose in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A complex carbohydrate, (C₆H₁₀O₅)_n, that is composed of glucose units, forms the main constituent of the cell wall in most plants, and is important in the manufacture of numerous products, such as paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , from cellule, biological cell; see cellule

Related Forms: