Lignin

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Lignin \Lig"nin\ (l[i^]g"n[i^]n), n. [L. lignum wood: cf. F.
     lignine.] (Bot.)
     A substance characterizing wood cells and differing from
     cellulose in its conduct with certain chemical reagents.
     [1913 Webster]
  


     Note: Recent authors have distinguished four forms of this
           substance, naming them lignose, lignin, lignone, and
           lignireose.
           [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  lignin
       n : a complex polymer; the chief non-carbohydrate constituent of
           wood; binds to cellulose fibers to harden and strengthen
           cell walls of plants