nitrocellulose

[ nahy-truh-sel-yuh-lohs ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a group of nitric esters of cellulose, used in the manufacture of lacquers and explosives: used as a film base in the early days of filmmaking, nitrocellulose is now a common component of multilayered film structures, especially cellophane.

nitrocellulose

/ ˌnaɪtrəʊˈsɛljʊˌləʊs /

noun

1. See cellulose nitrate
   another name (not in chemical usage) for cellulose nitrate

nitrocellulose

/ nī′trō-sĕl′yə-lōs′ /

1. A pulpy or cottonlike polymer derived from cellulose treated with sulfuric and nitric acids. It is used in the manufacture of explosives, plastics, and solid propellants.

Other Words From

• ni·tro·cel·lu·lo·sic ni·tro·cel·lu·lous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrocellulose¹

First recorded in 1880–85; nitro- + cellulose

Example Sentences

Contains nitrocellulose insoluble and soluble, metallic nitrates, and vaseline.

From Project Gutenberg

Noddite: a strip sporting-rifle powder containing nitroglycerine, nitrocellulose, mineral jelly.

From Project Gutenberg

These nitrates are variously known as nitrocellulose, pyroxylin, and gun cotton.

From Project Gutenberg

One of these dopes was nitrate in character and was made from nitrocellulose and certain wood-chemical solvents including alcohol.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact, it would be impossible to use a smokeless powder made of pure nitrocellulose in big guns without the multi-perforations.

From Project Gutenberg