Lexic.us

Definition of Lignin

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.

Definition of Lignin

1. n. A substance characterizing wood cells and differing from cellulose in its conduct with certain chemical reagents.

Definition of Lignin

1. Noun. (organic compound) A complex non-carbohydrate aromatic polymer present in all wood. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Lignin

1. an essential part of woody tissue [n -S]

Medical Definition of Lignin

1. Organic substance which act as a binder for the cellulose fibres in wood and certain plants and adds strength and stiffness to the cell walls. The chemical structure of lignin is composed of a complex polymer of phenylpropanoid subunits, laid down in the walls of plant cells such as xylem vessels and sclerenchyma. It imparts considerable strength to the wall and also protects it against degradation by microorganisms. It is also laid down as a defence reaction against pathogenic attack, as part of the hypersensitive response of plants. (14 Oct 1997)

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Lexicographical Neighbors of Lignin

Literary usage of Lignin

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. A Treatise on pharmacy by Edward Parrish, Thomas S. Wiegand (1884)
"Schweizers solvent for lignin is an ammoniacal solution of oxide of copper, ... This solution contains dextrin, a modified lignin which is soluble in water, ..."

2. The Manufacture of Pulp and Paper: A Textbook of Modern Pulp and Paper Mill by J. Newell Stephenson (1922)
"Formation of lignin.—The formation of lignin takes place in young tracheids ... There is more lignin in wood of slow growth than in wood of quick growth. ..."

3. Technology of Cellulose Esters: A Theoretical and Practical Treatise on the by Edward Chauncey Worden (1921)
"Two treatments with the strong HC1 left the lignin apparently free from cellulose, giving a yield of 33.12% of dry lignin on the dry wood substance. ..."

4. A Compendium of the Course of Chemical Instruction in the Medical Department by Robert Hare (1836)
"OF lignin. From the experiments of Mr. Braconnot, it appears that lignin may be converted into gum or sugar, by means of sulphuric acid. ..."

5. Elements of Chemistry: Including the Recent Discoveries and Doctrines of the by Edward Turner (1835)
"The different kinds of wood contain about 96 per cent, of lignin. ... lignin has neither taste nor odour, undergoes no change by keeping, and is insoluble ..."

6. A System of Chemistry for the Use of Students of Medicine by Franklin Bache (1819)
"When exposed to heat, it blackens without melting or frothing, exhales an acrid fume, and leaves a charcoal exactly the shape of the lignin employed. ..."

7. The Microscopy of Technical Products by Thomas Franz Hanausek (1907)
"lignin. Little is known as to the chemical constitution of lignin, the character* istic constituent of woody materials.1 It is probably a mixture of ..."

8. The Elements of Experimental Chemistry by William Henry, Robert Hare (1823)
"Atomic Constitution of lignin,—Vol. II. p. 182. THE atomic constitution of lignin, which agrees most nearly with the results of its ultimate analysis, ..."

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