Word Study
lignin
CIDE DICTIONARY
lignin, n. [L. lignum wood: cf. F. lignine.].
A substance characterizing wood cells and differing from cellulose in its conduct with certain chemical reagents. [1913 Webster]
" Recent authors have distinguished four forms of this substance, naming them lignose, lignin, lignone, and lignireose." [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
lignin, n. Bot. a complex organic polymer deposited in the cell-walls of many plants making them rigid and woody.
Etymology
as LIGNI- + -IN
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