Any of a range of derivatives of cellulose in which a proportion of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups are replaced by carboxymethyl groups, —CH₂COOH.
Origin
1940s. From carboxy- + methyl + cellulose.
Definition of carboxymethylcellulose in US English:
carboxymethylcellulose
noun
Chemistry
Any of a range of derivatives of cellulose in which a proportion of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups are replaced by carboxymethyl groups, —CH₂COOH.