Definition

A type of carbohydrate made from glucose that is found in the cell walls of plants and is used to make products like paper and textiles.

Example

Cellulose is an important material in the production of paper and cardboard.

Conversation

I was reading about how cellulose is used in making paper.

That's interesting! I had no idea it was such an important material.

Yeah, it’s fascinating how something like cellulose comes from plants and has so many uses.

Totally! It makes you appreciate everyday products so much more.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cellulose is formed from "cellula" (from Latin, meaning small room or chamber) and "-ose" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote sugars or carbohydrates). The word refers to a carbohydrate that is a structural component of plant cell walls, thus relating to the small chambers in which plant cells exist.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cellula' meaning small room, which helps you remember that cellulose is a substance found in the walls of plant cells, giving them structure.

Visually Confused Words