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.

Origin of lignin

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

Example sentences from the Web for lignin

British Dictionary definitions for lignin

lignin
/ (ˈlɪɡnɪn) /

noun

a complex polymer occurring in certain plant cell walls making the plant rigid

Scientific definitions for lignin

lignin
[ lĭgnĭn ]

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.