lignin

noun

lig·​nin ˈlig-nən How to pronounce lignin (audio)
: an amorphous polymer related to cellulose that provides rigidity and together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them

Examples of lignin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some of those found at Clarkia include lignin, which is the structural support tissue of plants, lipids like fats and waxes, and possibly DNA and amino acids. Robert Patalano, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 This weight loss occurred because the fungi broke down the lignin and cellulose into products that included carbon dioxide. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 1 Sep. 2023 The team wanted to compare the plastic-eating abilities of the fungal species and determine each species’ production of an enzyme that breaks apart lignin. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 1 Sep. 2023 After bleaching lignin’s color away or otherwise removing it, a milky-white skeleton of hollow cells remains. Jude Coleman, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2023 The toasting process breaks down starch and other polymers, called lignins and tannins, in the oak. Michael W. Crowder, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2023 An analysis of the tree’s wooden composition after six months revealed less lignin in the trees. Popular Science, 13 July 2023 Of the 60,000 species, the team chose balsa wood for its strength, even when one of the components of its structure—lignin—was largely removed to make more room for conducting materials. IEEE Spectrum, 29 Apr. 2023 To remove much of the lignin, pieces of balsa wood were treated with heat and chemicals for 5 hours. IEEE Spectrum, 29 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lignin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lignin was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near lignin

Cite this Entry

“Lignin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lignin. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lignin

noun
lig·​nin ˈlig-nən How to pronounce lignin (audio)
: a substance related to cellulose that occurs in the woody cell walls of plants and in the cementing material between them

Medical Definition

lignin

noun
lig·​nin ˈlig-nən How to pronounce lignin (audio)
: an amorphous polymeric substance related to cellulose that together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them

More from Merriam-Webster on lignin

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