cellophane

[sel-uh-feyn]

noun

1. a transparent, paperlike product of viscose, impervious to moisture, germs, etc., used to wrap and package food, tobacco, etc.

adjective

1. of, made of, or resembling cellophane.

Cellophane

/ ˈsɛləˌfeɪn /

noun

1. a flexible thin transparent sheeting made from wood pulp and used as a moisture-proof wrapping

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cellophane¹

First recorded in 1910–15; formerly trademark

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cellophane¹

C20: from _cellulose + _-phane

Example Sentences

“I looked to the water. ... No boats were out, and the ocean looked tight as cellophane.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Once cooled, they went into crinkly cellophane bags from Party Central, each one tied with a bit of lilac curling ribbon.

Read more on Salon

“Copy of Final Check Enclosed,” said one, and in the cellophane window was what looked like a check for $437.18 that said “Pay to the order of …”

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"There are two Elizabeth Taylors . . . One is flesh and blood, and one is cellophane."

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What began with cellophane in the 1930s picked up speed with the rise of plastic clamshells in the 1980s and bagged salads in the 1990s.

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• gauzy 
• sheer 
• translucent