What does nitrocellulose mean?
Nitrocellulose is a chemically modified form of cellulose, the structural material found in plant cell walls. In its nitrate form, it is highly flammable and has been used for waterproof coatings, paints, films, membranes, and historically in explosives such as celluloid. Its usefulness comes from forming durable, flexible, often water-resistant surfaces, while its combustibility makes it hazardous outside carefully controlled settings. The name reflects its composition: it is cellulose treated with nitrate groups. In everyday references, “nitrocellulose” may refer either to the compound itself or to the lacquer or film made from it. Modern applications include protective coatings and specialized membranes, whereas historical uses include photographic film and early motion-picture material. The word is primarily encountered in technical, industrial, historical, or safety-related contexts rather than ordinary conversation.
nounA highly flammable cellulose nitrate used in lacquers, coatings, membranes, explosives, and other industrial materials.
- A cellulose nitrate material that is highly flammable and used in coatings, films, membranes, and explosives.
- A chemical compound used as a component in some paints and varnishes.
"The fabric was treated with nitrocellulose to make it water-resistant."
"The bicycle frame was covered with a durable layer of nitrocellulose lacquer."
"In the laboratory, technicians handled small quantities of nitrocellulose under carefully controlled conditions."
Nitrocellulose helped make modern lacquer, film, and waterproof coatings possible, but its extreme flammability made it a powerful explosive as well.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nitrocellulose come from?
Nitrocellulose is a compound formation combining nitro-, referring to nitrate or nitrogen-containing chemical modification, with cellulose, the plant polymer obtained from cell walls. The material was developed in the nineteenth century as part of the development of cellulose nitrate chemistry. The related terms cellulose, nitrate, and nitro reflect its chemical and botanical associations, although they represent distinct components or related chemical terminology.
Related word forms
How nitrocellulose is actually used
The term is mainly technical or industrial. It may refer to the material as a chemical compound or more broadly to products made from it, such as lacquers and films. Because of its fire risk, handling and storage require specialist precautions.
Easily confused with nitrocellulose
Cellulose is the natural structural polymer found in plant cell walls, whereas nitrocellulose is a chemically modified, nitrate-treated form of cellulose.