English Reference
noun · verb

tissue

n. · v.
US /ˈtɪsˌju/ UK /tˈɪʃuː/ tis·sue UK spelling tissue's, tissue's, tissuing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a soft, thin piece of paper used for cleaning your nose or face.

    n.a disposable piece of absorbent paper used as a handkerchief or for light cleaning.

    Simple

    He reached for a tissue to blow his nose during the movie.

    In context

    The patient kept a box of tissues on the bedside table to manage her persistent cold symptoms.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Biology

    n.the material that your body is made of, consisting of many similar cells working together.

    n.an ensemble of similar cells and their extracellular matrix from the same origin that together carry out a specific function.

    Simple

    The doctor took a small sample of muscle tissue to test it.

    In context

    The researchers examined the connective tissue under a microscope to identify signs of the rare genetic disorder.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.very thin, colorful paper used to wrap gifts or protect fragile items.

    n.thin, translucent paper used for wrapping delicate items or as decorative stuffing in gift bags.

    Simple

    She placed the glass vase in a box filled with white tissue.

    In context

    The boutique wrapped the silk scarf in several layers of acid-free tissue to prevent any damage during shipping.

    tissue paper
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Literary

    n.a complicated set of lies or stories that are connected together.

    n.an intricate or interconnected mass of things, typically used figuratively for fabrications or falsehoods.

    Simple

    The detective realized the suspect's story was just a tissue of lies.

    In context

    The entire political scandal was built upon a tissue of half-truths and carefully constructed deceptions designed to mislead the public.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    v.to weave different threads together into a fabric.

    v.to form a fabric by interweaving threads, often involving decorative or precious materials.

    Simple

    The gown was tissued with silver threads that sparkled in the light.

    In context

    The historical tapestry was tissued with gold, reflecting the immense wealth of the dynasty that commissioned it.

    weaveinterlace

Evans and the team tested their method in two tissue types: colon and thymus.

Phys.org· 14 Aug 2026

To investigate, the researchers studied human brain tissue.

ScienceDaily· 14 Aug 2026

From Middle English tissu, from Old French tissu (“woven”), past participle of tistre (“to weave”), from Latin texō (“to weave”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin texō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated