ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cellulose

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈsɛɫjəˌɫoʊs// UK //sˈɛljuːlˌəʊz// cel·lu·lose

n. a tough material that makes up the walls of plant cells. It gives plants their shape and strength, and it is the main part of paper and cotton.

n. an insoluble polysaccharide consisting of chains of glucose units that forms the primary structural component of plant cell walls. It is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth and serves as the raw material for paper and textile production.


SIMPLE

Plants use cellulose to build strong stems.

CONTEXTUAL

Because humans cannot digest cellulose, it passes through the digestive system as dietary fiber.

COMPLEX

The industrial extraction of cellulose from wood pulp remains a cornerstone of the global paper industry, though researchers are increasingly exploring its potential in biodegradable plastics.

Origin

Borrowed from French cellulose.

Usage

Usually uncountable when referring to the substance; can be countable when discussing different chemical types or derivatives.

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