Tissue

Definition

Tissue generally refers to an aggregation of similar cells and cell products forming a definite kind of structural material with a specific function, in a multicellular organism.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɪʃu/
• Respelling: TISH-oo (with "TISH" as in "wish" and "oo" as in "shoe")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɪsjuː/ or /ˈtɪʃuː/
• Respelling: TIS-yoo or TISH-oo (with "TIS" as in "this" and "yoo" as in "you," or "TISH" as in "wish" and "oo" as in "shoe")

In British English, "tissue" can be pronounced either with a clear "s" sound followed by "yoo" (making it TIS-yoo) or with a "sh" sound making it more like the American pronunciation (TISH-oo). The American pronunciation typically uses the "sh" sound, similar to one of the British pronunciations.

Etymology

The term "tissue" is derived from the Old French word "tissue", meaning "a weave", from "tistre" which means "to weave". This origin is a reference to the interconnected nature of cells in an organism, similar to the threads in a woven fabric.

Derivatives

• Tissue-paper
• Connective tissue
• Epithelial tissue
• Tissue-culture
• Tissue-engineering

Synonyms

• Fabric
• Web
• Matrix

Antonyms

• Individual
• Singular
• Separate

Usage

• "Tissue" is widely used in biological and medical contexts to describe collections of similar cells that work together in an organism.
• In everyday language, it can also refer to tissue paper, a thin, soft paper used for wiping or wrapping.

Related Terms

• Cell
• Organ
• System
• Fibers
• Matrix

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Biological Tissue: A group of cells that have a similar structure and act together to perform a specific function. It can be muscle, nerve, or connective tissue among others.
• Example: The heart is made of cardiac tissue.

• Thin and Soft Paper: Thin and soft paper, often white, used for cleaning, especially one's nose, or for wrapping things.
• Example: She reached for a tissue to wipe her tears.

• Structure or Texture: The characteristic structure of the threads, fibers, or filaments of any material.
• Example: The tissue of a plant.