1. a complex carbohydrate that forms the main structural component of plant cell walls
Usage: chemistry; biology
2. a substance derived from plant cellulose, used in making paper, textiles, and plastics
Usage: industrial

Examples

• Wood contains large amounts of cellulose.
• Cotton is almost pure cellulose.
• The factory processes cellulose to make paper.
• Plant cell walls are strengthened by cellulose fibers.
• Cellulose cannot be digested by humans.
• The textile industry uses cellulose to produce rayon.
• Trees store energy in the form of cellulose.