# tissue

/ˈtɪsˌju/ (US) · /tˈɪʃuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tissue
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. paper handkerchief

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. biological cells

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. wrapping paper

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. a web of lies

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to interweave

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

to weave different threads together into a fabric.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Muscle tissue helps your body move.
- The doctor took a small sample of skin tissue to check if the cells were healthy.
- The regenerative properties of certain plant tissues allow them to recover from significant physical damage that would be fatal to more complex animal organisms.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.