Word Study
cellulose
CIDE DICTIONARY
cellulose, a.
Consisting of, or containing, cells. [1913 Webster]
cellulose, n.
The substance which constitutes the essential part of the solid framework of plants, of ordinary wood, cotton, linen, paper, etc. It is also found to a slight extent in certain animals, as the tunicates. It is a carbohydrate, (C6H10O5)n , isomeric with starch, and is convertible into starches and sugars by the action of heat and acids. When pure, it is a white amorphous mass. See Starch, Granulose, Lignin. [1913 Webster]
"Unsized, well bleached linen paper is merely pure cellulose." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
cellulose, n.
1 Biochem. a carbohydrate forming the main constituent of plant-cell walls, used in the production of textile fibres.
2 (in general use) a paint or lacquer consisting of esp. cellulose acetate or nitrate in solution.
1 Biochem. a carbohydrate forming the main constituent of plant-cell walls, used in the production of textile fibres.
2 (in general use) a paint or lacquer consisting of esp. cellulose acetate or nitrate in solution.
Derivative
cellulosic adj.
Etymology
F (as CELLULE)
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