Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Cellulose?

\Cel"lu*lose`\ (s[e^]l"[-u]*l[=o]s`), a. Consisting of, or containing, cells.
\Cel"lu*lose`\, n. (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. {Starch cellulose}, the delicate framework which remains when the soluble part (granulose) of starch is removed by saliva or pepsin. --Goodale.