lignin

[lig-nin]

noun

Botany. an organic substance that, with cellulose, forms the chief part of woody tissue.
Papermaking. impure matter found in wood pulp.

Origin of lignin

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for lignin

Historical Examples of lignin

Both occur in lignin, and are then undoubtedly indigestible.
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
Any number of things: Perhaps the Lignin in the nerve paths was poisonous.
The Brain
Alexander Blade
Ligneous, or woody tissue (lignin) is indurated cellulose, hardened by age.
The Stock-Feeder's Manual
Charles Alexander Cameron
Like tropical rains from a jungle roof, lignin dripped from the vaults, and in falling, burst into flames.
The Brain
Alexander Blade

British Dictionary definitions for lignin

lignin

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

Word Origin and History for lignin

1822, from Latin lignum "wood" (see ligni-) + chemical suffix -in (2).

lignin in Science

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.