How to pronounce cellulose
Say it like SEL-yuh-lohs. Cellulose has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce cellulose. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEL
- yuh
- lohs
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cellulose pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- yuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lohsGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of cellulose
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: SEL-yuu-lohz.
What does cellulose mean?
- A complex carbohydrate that forms the main constituent of the cell wall in most plants and is important in the manufacture of numerous products, such as paper, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.
- A polysaccharide containing many glucose units in parallel chains.
- Consisting of, or containing, cells.
Where does cellulose come from?
Borrowed from French cellulose.
Questions about saying cellulose
How do you pronounce cellulose?
Say SEL-yuh-lohs. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛljəˌloʊs/. In British English it is /ˈsɛljʊləʊz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cellulose?
Cellulose has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEL). Broken into parts: SEL · yuh · lohs.
Is cellulose pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈsɛljʊləʊz/ (SEL-yuu-lohz).