lignin
[lig-nin]
- Botany. an organic substance that, with cellulose, forms the chief part of woody tissue.
- Papermaking. impure matter found in wood pulp.
Origin of lignin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for lignin
Historical Examples
Both occur in lignin, and are then undoubtedly indigestible.
Researches on CelluloseC. F. Cross
A powder of similar composition is produced by the action of powerful chemical reagents on sugar, lignin, &c.
Any number of things: Perhaps the Lignin in the nerve paths was poisonous.
The BrainAlexander Blade
Ligneous, or woody tissue (lignin) is indurated cellulose, hardened by age.
The Stock-Feeder's ManualCharles Alexander Cameron
Like tropical rains from a jungle roof, lignin dripped from the vaults, and in falling, burst into flames.
The BrainAlexander Blade
lignin
- a complex polymer occurring in certain plant cell walls making the plant rigid
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for lignin
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
lignin
[lĭg′nĭn]
- A complex organic compound that binds to cellulose fibers and hardens and strengthens the cell walls of plants. Lignin is a polymer consisting of various aromatic alcohols, and is the chief noncarbohydrate constituent of wood.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.