lignin lignin  /ˈlɪɡ nɪn/


  • (n) a complex polymer; the chief constituent of wood other than carbohydrates; binds to cellulose fibers to harden and strengthen cell walls of plants


  1. When heat is applied to natural lignin and cellulose, they give off combustible gases that form flames and spread the fire by heating more wood.
  2. By heating cellulose and: water or lignin and water, lie produced coal.
  3. Of the sawdust 60% to 65% becomes sugar, 5% acetic acid, 30% lignin which again can be used to make charcoal or wallboard.



  1. "We're hoping that we'll find individual bacterial genes that are secreting enzymes into the insect gut that are better for removing lignin to make the cellulose more accessible than currently. If we do find that, that will make the ease and the...
    on Dec 16, 2007 By: John Carlson Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (registration)

  2. "The fact that vanillin cannot be detected in the lignin on shroud fibres, Dead Sea scrolls linen and other very old linens indicates that the shroud is quite old," Mr Rogers writes. "A determination of the kinetics of vanillin loss suggests...
    on Jan 26, 2005 By: Raymond Rogers Source: BBC News

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permeate permeate
/ˈpɜr mi ˌeɪt /