noun

tissue

/ˈtɪʃuː/ · say it: TISH·oo

a group of similar cells performing a function

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) soft, thin paper used for blowing your nose or cleaning up

2. (noun) a group of similar cells in a plant or animal body that work together to perform a function

Examples

1. I grabbed a tissue when I started sneezing.
2. The muscle tissue in your arms helps you lift things.

How to use tissue

Tissue has two distinct meanings in English: the everyday sense of disposable paper for blowing your nose or wiping surfaces (often used generically, like kleenex), and the biological sense referring to organized groups of specialized cells. In medical and scientific contexts, tissue refers to structures like muscle tissue, nerve tissue, or scar tissue. The paper meaning is informal and common in daily speech; the biological meaning is technical and used in healthcare and academic settings.

Common phrases

tissue paper
facial tissue
body tissue
living tissue
connective tissue
issue a tissue

Synonyms

kleenex · handkerchief · cloth · material

Word family

tissuey

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse tissue with towel or cloth, but tissue is specifically thin, disposable paper rather than a reusable fabric. Also, tissue is uncountable in the paper sense ('I need some tissue' not 'a tissue' in singular), though tissues (plural) is acceptable.

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