What does tissue mean?
Tissue has two principal modern meanings. In biology, it denotes a collection of specialized cells and their supporting material that performs a particular role in an organism: muscle tissue contracts, nerve tissue transmits signals, and connective tissue provides support. The word can also refer to thin, soft paper, particularly a disposable sheet used to wipe the nose. A third, older sense refers to fine woven fabric, reflecting the word's history. These meanings are connected because the biological sense developed from comparisons between the interwoven structure of bodily material and the texture of woven cloth. In everyday English, “tissue” is familiar and neutral, while scientific descriptions often specify a type of tissue through a modifier such as “muscle,” “nerve,” or “connective.” The word is also widely associated with “tissue paper” and, in medicine, with tissue damage, tissue samples, and tissue culture.
nounIn biology, tissue is a group of similar cells and the material surrounding them that performs a particular function. In everyday usage, it means a thin, soft sheet of paper, especially one used for wiping the nose or other surfaces.
- An organized collection of similar cells and associated material that forms a structural or functional part of an organism.
- A thin, soft sheet of paper used for wiping or wrapping.
- A fine woven fabric or textile, now chiefly historical.
"The biopsy revealed abnormal cells in the tissue surrounding the tumour."
"Damaged tissue around the wound began to heal after several days."
"She passed him a tissue because he was coughing."
The plural is used for distinct kinds or masses of biological tissue, several pieces of tissue paper, or several tissues used for wiping.
"The laboratory examined several tissues taken from the patient."
Tissue began as a word for something woven, before making the leap from fabric to the body's cellular fabric.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tissue come from?
Tissue entered Middle English through Old French tyssue, ultimately from Latin textura, “weaving” or “woven fabric,” derived from texere, “to weave.” Its original sense was connected with woven textiles before the word came to describe the interwoven structure of the body and, later, thin paper. Related English words include texture, textile, text, and context, all of which reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How tissue is actually used
Tissue is neutral in register. In biological contexts it is often countable when different kinds of tissue are being discussed, as in “muscle tissue” or “healthy tissues.” In everyday usage, a single sheet is called “a tissue,” while the material itself may be called “tissue paper.”