lignin Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a complex polymer; the chief constituent of wood other than carbohydrates; binds to cellulose fibers to harden and strengthen cell walls of plants

WordNet


Lig"nin noun
Etymology
L. lignum wood: cf. F. lignine.
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) A substance characterizing wood cells and differing from cellulose in its conduct with certain chemical reagents. ✍ Recent authors have distinguished four forms of this substance, naming them lignose, lignin, lignone, and lignireose.

Webster 1913