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.

Nearby words

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

Word Origin and History for lignin

lignin

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

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.