# cellulose

/ˈsɛɫjəˌɫoʊs/ (US) · /sˈɛljuːlˌəʊz/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cellulose
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Plants use cellulose to build strong stems.
- Because humans cannot digest cellulose, it passes through the digestive system as dietary fiber.
- 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.

## Usage notes

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

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