nitrocellulose

American  

[nahy-truh-sel-yuh-lohs] / ˌnaɪ trəˈsɛl jəˌloʊs /

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.

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nitrocellulose British  

/ ˌnaɪtrəʊˈsɛljʊˌləʊs /

noun

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

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nitrocellulose Scientific  

/ nī′trō-sĕl′yə-lōs′ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nitrocellulosic
  adjective
• nitrocellulous
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of nitrocellulose

First recorded in 1880–85; nitro- + cellulose

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nitrocellulose

The U.S. grows most of its linters domestically—but wants to significantly boost cotton linter production and increase its capacity to convert it into nitrocellulose.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 20, 2026

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

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 3, 2022

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.

From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2022

In Frederick, Ellume is sourcing nitrocellulose strips from India, said Parsons, the Ellume chief executive.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 1, 2022

These nitrates are variously known as nitrocellulose, pyroxylin, and gun cotton.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William