A compound of cellulose and an alkali, especially one made by heating wood pulp, cotton waste, etc., in concentrated sodium hydroxide solution and used as a starting material in industrial processes.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Lancet.
Definition of alkali cellulose in US English:
alkali cellulose
noun
A compound of cellulose and an alkali, especially one made by heating wood pulp, cotton waste, etc., in concentrated sodium hydroxide solution and used as a starting material in industrial processes.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in The Lancet.