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tissue

/ˈtɪʃu/

/ˈtɪʃu/

Other forms: tissues; tissued

Tissue is part of the body of a living thing that is made of similar cells, like the cardiac tissue of your heart. A tissue is also a soft, thin piece of paper used for wiping noses and tear drops.

The noun tissue comes from the Old French word tissu, meaning “a ribbon, or belt of woven material.” In fact, as a verb, tissue means "weave fabric strands." Today, we think of tissues as the disposable paper for blowing our noses or packing presents. A different kind of tissue is found in the body — the groups of cells that have the same job, like scar tissue that protects a wound as it heals.

Definitions of tissue
  1. noun
    part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function
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    types:
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    band, isthmus
    a cord-like tissue connecting two larger parts of an anatomical structure
    animal tissue
    the tissue in the bodies of animals
    chalaza
    one of two spiral bands of tissue connecting the egg yolk to the enclosing membrane at either end of the shell
    embryonic tissue
    tissue in an embryo
    coronet
    margin between the skin of the pastern and the horn of the hoof
    epithelial tissue, epithelium
    membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body
    flesh
    the soft tissue of the body of a vertebrate: mainly muscle tissue and fat
    capillary bed
    a layer of tissue densely packed with capillaries
    parenchyma
    animal tissue that constitutes the essential part of an organ as contrasted with e.g. connective tissue and blood vessels
    interstitial tissue
    tissue between the cells of a structure or part in plant or animal
    adipose tissue, fat, fatty tissue
    a kind of body tissue containing stored fat that serves as a source of energy; it also cushions and insulates vital organs
    connective tissue
    tissue of mesodermal origin consisting of e.g. collagen fibroblasts and fatty cells; supports organs and fills spaces between them and forms tendons and ligaments
    lymphatic tissue, lymphoid tissue
    tissue making up the lymphatic system
    cartilage, gristle
    tough elastic tissue; mostly converted to bone in adults
    erectile tissue
    vascular tissue capable of filling with blood and becoming rigid
    muscle, muscular tissue
    animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells
    fibrous tissue
    tissue consisting of or containing fibers in both animals and plants
    nerve tissue, nervous tissue
    tissue composed of neurons
    gingiva, gum
    the tissue (covered by mucous membrane) of the jaws that surrounds the bases of the teeth
    cortex, lens cortex
    the tissue that surrounds the lens nucleus
    flap
    a movable piece of tissue partly connected to the body
    membrane, tissue layer
    a pliable sheet of tissue that covers or lines or connects the organs or cells of animals or plants
    cortex
    the tissue forming the outer layer of an organ or structure in plant or animal
    medulla
    the inner part of an organ or structure in plant or animal
    matrix
    the formative tissue at the base of a nail
    graft, transplant
    (surgery) tissue or organ transplanted from a donor to a recipient; in some cases the patient can be both donor and recipient
    stroma
    the supporting tissue of an organ (as opposed to parenchyma)
    type of:
    body part
    any part of an organism such as an organ or extremity
  2. noun
    a soft thin (usually translucent) paper
    synonyms: tissue paper
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    types:
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    cigarette paper, rolling paper
    a strong tissue paper that burns evenly and is sufficiently porous to control the burning of the tobacco in a cigarette
    facial tissue
    tissue paper suitable for use on the face
    Kleenex
    a piece of soft absorbent paper (usually two or more thin layers) used as a disposable handkerchief
    bathroom tissue, toilet paper, toilet tissue
    a soft thin absorbent paper for use in toilets
    toilet roll
    a roll of toilet paper
    type of:
    paper
    a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
  3. verb
    create a piece of cloth by interlacing strands of fabric, such as wool or cotton
    tissue textiles”
    synonyms: weave
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    types:
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    net, web
    construct or form a web, as if by weaving
    loom
    weave on a loom
    brocade
    weave a design into (textiles)
    lace
    do lacework
    braid, lace, plait
    make by braiding or interlacing
    twill
    weave diagonal lines into (textiles)
    type of:
    create from raw material, create from raw stuff
    make from scratch
Pronunciation
US

/ˈtɪʃu/

UK

/ˈtɪʃu/

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