: 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
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Fiber consists of carbohydrates like cellulose and lignins that cannot be digested by the enzymes in a mammal’s gut.
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Marianne Krasny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
On closer inspection, the team found that the fungus breaks down the lignin in the wood, the natural polymer that provides stiffness and compressive strength.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2024
The carbon in their corpses — lignin, cellulose, fatty acids, proteins, and so on — feeds microorganisms that break down large molecules and return carbon dioxide to the air, completing the carbon cycle.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
The paper industry uses lots of chemicals and energy to remove lignin from pulp.
—Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2024
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Marianne Krasny, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
On closer inspection, the team found that the fungus breaks down the lignin in the wood, the natural polymer that provides stiffness and compressive strength.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 1 Dec. 2024
The carbon in their corpses — lignin, cellulose, fatty acids, proteins, and so on — feeds microorganisms that break down large molecules and return carbon dioxide to the air, completing the carbon cycle.
—Umair Irfan, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
The paper industry uses lots of chemicals and energy to remove lignin from pulp.
—Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for lignin
Cite this Entry
“Lignin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lignin. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lignin
noun
lig·nin
ˈlig-nən 
: 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
: an amorphous polymeric substance related to cellulose that together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them
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