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

Both of her arms were covered in freshly-inked tattoos, her left arm still wrapped in glistening cellophane.

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

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

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“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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Related Words

• gauzy 
• sheer 
• translucent