Definition

1. Noun:
   • A complex carbohydrate (polysaccharide): Cellulose is the primary structural component of the cell walls of green plants, many forms of algae, and the oomycetes. It is an organic compound with the formula (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ, a polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of several hundred to many thousands of β(1→4) linked D-glucose units.
   • An industrial material: Due to its abundance and strength, cellulose is a crucial raw material for the production of paper, cardboard, textiles (like cotton, linen, and rayon), and various derivatives used in food, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The rigid structure of plant stems is due to the presence of cellulose.
  • Paper is manufactured from wood pulp, which is rich in cellulose.
  • Cotton fibers are almost pure cellulose.

Advanced Usage

• "Microcrystalline cellulose": A refined, powdered form of cellulose used as a texturizer, anti-caking agent, and fat substitute in food, and as a binder in pharmaceutical tablets.

  • The ingredient list includes microcrystalline cellulose as a stabilizer.

• "Cellulose acetate": A synthetic compound derived from cellulose, used to make photographic film, eyeglass frames, and cigarette filters.

  • These sunglasses have frames made from cellulose acetate.

Variants and Related Words

• Cellulosic (adj): Of, relating to, or derived from cellulose.

  • The company specializes in cellulosic biofuels.

• Cellulase (n): An enzyme that breaks down cellulose.

  • Some bacteria produce cellulase to digest plant matter.

Synonyms

• Plant fiber: A general term for the fibrous material in plants, primarily composed of cellulose.
• Dietary fiber (insoluble): The indigestible portion of plant foods, largely consisting of cellulose, that aids digestion.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Cellulose insulation: A type of building insulation made from recycled paper (newsprint) treated with fire retardants.

  • They installed cellulose insulation in the attic for energy efficiency.

• Cellulose ether: A family of polymers derived from cellulose, used as thickeners, binders, and film-formers in products like paints, adhesives, and personal care items.

  • The wallpaper paste contains a cellulose ether to improve adhesion.

Noun

1. a polysaccharide that is the chief constituent of all plant tissues and fibers