Cellulose

Origin

From French cellulose

Full definition of cellulose

Noun

1. A complex carbohydrate that forms the main constituent of the cell wall in most plants and is important in the manufacture of numerous products, such as paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.
2. (organic compound) A polysaccharide containing many glucose units in parallel chains.

Synonyms

• E460 when used as an emulsifier

Derived terms

• cellulose acetate
• cellulose nitrate
• lignocellulose

Adjective

1. Consisting of, or containing, cells.----