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tissue

n. · v.
US //ˈtɪsˌju// UK //tˈɪʃuː// tis·sue
  1. 1 paper handkerchief (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The patient kept a box of tissues on the bedside table to manage her persistent cold symptoms.
  2. 2 biological cells (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Biology

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The researchers examined the connective tissue under a microscope to identify signs of the rare genetic disorder.
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  1. 3 wrapping paper (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The boutique wrapped the silk scarf in several layers of acid-free tissue to prevent any damage during shipping.
    • tissue paper
  2. 4 a web of lies (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The entire political scandal was built upon a tissue of half-truths and carefully constructed deceptions designed to mislead the public.
  3. 5 to interweave (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    to weave different threads together into a fabric.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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

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