nitrocellulose

[nahy-truh-sel-yuh-lohs]

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of a group of nitric esters of cellulose, used in the manufacture of lacquers and explosives: used as a film base in the early days of filmmaking, nitrocellulose is now a common component of multilayered film structures, especially cellophane.

nitrocellulose

/ ˌnaɪtrəʊˈsɛljʊˌləʊs /

noun

1. another name (not in chemical usage) for cellulose nitrate

nitrocellulose

1. A pulpy or cottonlike polymer derived from cellulose treated with sulfuric and nitric acids. It is used in the manufacture of explosives, plastics, and solid propellants.

Other Word Forms

• nitrocellulosic adjective
• nitrocellulous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrocellulose¹

First recorded in 1880–85; nitro- + cellulose

Example Sentences

Included in Wednesday’s sanctions announcement are importers of cotton cellulose and nitrocellulose — used to produce gunpowder, rocket propellants and other explosives.

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The plant located in the town of Bergerac specializes in making nitrocellulose, a highly flammable chemical compound.

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The disc is made of aluminium, treated with a layer of nitrocellulose then coated with a sapphire and quartz gradient, but is playable on any regular turntable.

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According to filmmaker Paul Mothersole, who has studied the tragedy for 15 years, the film operator spotted a reel of nitrocellulose film which had begun to smoulder.

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One town, Nitro, even gets its name from a chemical — the nitrocellulose produced there for explosives.

Read more on New York Times