cellulose Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a polysaccharide that is the chief constituent of all plant tissues and fibers

WordNet

Cel"lu*lose` adjective
Definitions
  1. Consisting of, or containing, cells.
Cel"lu*lose` noun
Definitions
  1. (Chem.) The substance which constitutes the essential part of the solid framework of plants, of ordinary wood, linen, paper, etc. It is also found to a slight extent in certain animals, as the tunicates. It is a carbohydrate, (C6H10O5)n, isomeric with starch, and is convertible into starches and sugars by the action of heat and acids. When pure, it is a white amorphous mass. See Starch, Granulose, Lignin.
    Unsized, well bleached linen paper is merely pure cellulose. Goodale.
    Goodale.

Webster 1913