English Reference

Word

tissue

Phoneticstis·sue, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈtɪsˌju/

UK/tˈɪʃuː/

Definitions

01paper handkerchief

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

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.

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

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

Synonyms

02biological cells

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Biology Technical

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.

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

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

Synonyms

03wrapping paper

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

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.

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

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

Synonyms

tissue paper

04a web of lies

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun 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.

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

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

05to interweave

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.

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

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

Synonyms

weaveinterlace

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “tissue” in context.

Verb

01. blow your nose into a tissue

“He had a terrible cold and had to blow his nose into a tissue every few minutes.”

verb + possessive + noun + prep + noun

02. damage brain tissue

“The doctor explained that the lack of oxygen could seriously damage brain tissue.”

verb + noun

03. reach for a tissue

“When she started crying, she reached for a tissue to dry her eyes.”

verb + prep + noun

Adjective

04. soft tissue

“The athlete suffered a soft tissue injury in his leg during the final match.”

adj + noun

05. scar tissue

“After the surgery, a thick layer of scar tissue formed over the wound.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. box of tissues

“Could you please pass me that box of tissues from the coffee table?”

noun + of + noun

07. tissue sample

“The lab technician analyzed the tissue sample to check for any signs of infection.”

noun + noun

Real-World Examples

“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

Etymology

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.

Related words

Domain

Biology

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference