lignin

[ lig-nin ]

/ ˈlɪg nɪn /

noun

Botany. an organic substance that, with cellulose, forms the chief part of woody tissue.

Papermaking. impure matter found in wood pulp.

Words nearby lignin

ligneous, ligni-, lignicolous, ligniform, lignify, lignin, lignin sulfonate, lignite, lignivorous, ligno-, lignocaine

Origin of lignin

First recorded in 1815–25; lign- + -in²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for lignin

Like tropical rains from a jungle roof, lignin dripped from the vaults, and in falling, burst into flames.
The Brain|Alexander Blade
In the second year the lignin alone increased to the end; the cellulose decreased at the end of June.
Researches on Cellulose|C. F. Cross
A powder of similar composition is produced by the action of powerful chemical reagents on sugar, lignin, &c.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
Ligneous, or woody tissue (lignin) is indurated cellulose, hardened by age.
The Stock-Feeder's Manual|Charles Alexander Cameron

With the third blow the plastics cell cracked and the lignin poured out, a syrupy curtain sliding down.
The Brain|Alexander Blade

British Dictionary definitions for lignin

lignin

/ (ˈlɪɡnɪn) /

noun

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

Science definitions for lignin

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.