The substance which constitutes the essential part of the solid framework of plants, of ordinary wood, cotton, 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. [1913 Webster]

"Unsized, well bleached linen paper is merely pure cellulose." [1913 Webster]

Starch cellulose, the delicate framework which remains when the soluble part (granulose) of starch is removed by saliva or pepsin. Goodale.

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

Cellulose, n.
1 Biochem. a carbohydrate forming the main constituent of plant-cell walls, used in the production of textile fibres.
2 (in general use) a paint or lacquer consisting of esp. cellulose acetate or nitrate in solution.

Derivative

cellulosic adj.

Etymology

F (as CELLULE)

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