Tissue: meaning, definitions and examples

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tissue

 

[ ˈtɪʃuː ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

soft material

Tissue is a soft, thin piece of paper used for wiping tears or noses. It can also refer to a collection of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function in the body.

Synonyms

facial tissue, kleenex, paper tissue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tissue

General term for soft, thin paper used for cleaning, wiping, or blowing the nose. It is commonly used in both household and medical contexts.

  • She handed him a tissue to blow his nose
  • Always have a box of tissues in the car
paper tissue

Another term for tissue, used less frequently but can refer more generally to any type of paper-based tissue product.

  • We need to buy more paper tissues
  • She always carries a packet of paper tissues in her purse
kleenex

A brand name that has become a generic term in some countries for facial tissues, often used in conversational contexts. Note: It should be capitalized as Kleenex.

  • Do you have a Kleenex? There’s a box of Kleenex in the bathroom
facial tissue

Specifically refers to tissues used primarily for facial purposes like blowing the nose or wiping the face. Often presented in a box and intended for personal hygiene.

  • He reached for a facial tissue after sneezing
  • The hotel room had a box of facial tissues on the nightstand

Examples of usage

  • She used a tissue to wipe away her tears.
  • The doctor examined the tissue under a microscope.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

In biology, tissue is a group of cells that have a similar structure and function.

Synonyms

biological tissue, cell group.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tissue

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the material with specialized cells in animals and plants or a piece of soft thin paper for various uses.

  • She wiped her tears with a tissue
  • The doctor examined the tissue sample under a microscope
biological tissue

Used in scientific and medical contexts to describe a collection of cells with a similar structure and function.

  • The study focused on the regeneration of biological tissue
  • Researchers observed changes in biological tissue under different conditions
cell group

Often used in biology or medical research to describe a cluster of similar cells that function together. This term is less specific than 'tissue'.

  • The scientists isolated a cell group to study its properties
  • Understanding the behavior of a cell group can help in developing new treatments

Examples of usage

  • Muscle tissue helps the body move.
  • Nervous tissue carries messages to and from the brain.

Translations

Translations of the word "tissue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tecido

🇮🇳 ऊतक

🇩🇪 Gewebe

🇮🇩 jaringan

🇺🇦 тканина

🇵🇱 tkanka

🇯🇵 組織 (そしき)

🇫🇷 tissu

🇪🇸 tejido

🇹🇷 doku

🇰🇷 조직

🇸🇦 نسيج

🇨🇿 tkáň

🇸🇰 tkanivo

🇨🇳 组织 (zǔzhī)

🇸🇮 tkivo

🇮🇸 vefur

🇰🇿 тін

🇬🇪 ქსოვილი

🇦🇿 toxuma

🇲🇽 tejido

Etymology

The word 'tissue' originated from the Old French word 'tissu', meaning 'a woven fabric'. It was first used in the English language in the 14th century to refer to a woven cloth. Over time, the meaning of 'tissue' expanded to include thin paper material and biological cell groups.

See also: tissues.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,849, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.