tissue

tissue — noun

1. In animals and plants, a group of similar cells that join together to perform a

1.nounB2
Definition

In animals and plants, a group of similar cells that join together to perform a particular function, such as muscle tissue helping the body move or leaf tissue carrying out photosynthesis.

Example

Dr. Adisa examined the heart tissue under a microscope to check for signs of infection.

heart tissue + examined under a microscope

Researchers in Tokyo grew new skin tissue in a laboratory to help treat burn patients.

new skin tissue + grown in a laboratory

Common collocations
  • muscle tissue
  • nerve tissue
  • skin tissue
  • brain tissue
  • plant tissue
  • lung tissue
  • scar tissue
  • healthy tissue
  • damaged tissue
  • tissue sample
  • tissue damage
  • soft tissue
Synonyms
  • cellular material

    broader, more technical term for the substance cells are made of

  • cells

    even more basic unit; tissue is made of cells, not a synonym per se

  • fibre

    narrower; refers to thread-like structures within certain tissues

Usage Note

In biology, 'tissue' is usually uncountable when referring to a general type (e.g., 'bone tissue', 'scar tissue'), but becomes countable when talking about different kinds (e.g., 'the various tissues of the body').

Common Mistakes

The doctor removed a tissue from the patient's lung.' (sounds like a paper tissue)
The doctor removed a sample of tissue from the patient's lung.
Without context, 'a tissue' is understood as the paper product, not body tissue.
He needed to study the body's mussel tissue.
He needed to study the body's muscle tissue.
Learners sometimes confuse 'muscle' with 'mussel' (a type of shellfish).

2. A small square of soft paper intended to be used once — for wiping the nose, rem

2.nounA2
Definition

A small square of soft paper intended to be used once — for wiping the nose, removing makeup, or cleaning small spills — and then thrown away.

Example

Sayaka sneezed three times and reached for a tissue from the box on her desk.

reached for a tissue + common everyday action

The waiter handed Diego a tissue when he noticed the coffee stain on his shirt.

handed someone a tissue

Common collocations
  • a box of tissues
  • a packet of tissues
  • a pack of tissues
  • reach for a tissue
  • blow your nose with a tissue
  • wipe tears with a tissue
  • soft tissue
  • dispose of a tissue
Synonyms
  • facial tissue

    more formal or product-label term for the same item

  • Kleenex

    a common brand name used generically, especially in American English

Antonyms
  • handkerchief

    a reusable cloth version, opposite in being washable rather than disposable

Usage Note

A 'tissue' (sense 2) is always disposable and made of paper, unlike a 'handkerchief' which is usually made of cloth and washed after use. In American English, 'Kleenex' is a common brand name that people often use to mean any facial tissue.

Common Mistakes

Can I have a paper for my nose?
Can I have a tissue?
Learners sometimes say 'paper' because they don't know the word 'tissue' for this meaning.
I used a paper tissue and then put it in my pocket.
I used a tissue and then threw it away.
'Tissue' alone is enough; calling it 'paper tissue' is redundant in everyday speech.

3. Very thin, light paper that is used mainly to wrap fragile or valuable items, su

3.nounB1
Definition

Very thin, light paper that is used mainly to wrap fragile or valuable items, such as glassware, gifts, or clothing, in order to prevent them from being scratched or broken.

Example

Christopher carefully wrapped each wine glass in white tissue paper before packing it.

wrapped in tissue paper + key collocation

The boutique folded the silk scarf in tissue paper and placed it inside a gift box.

folded in tissue paper

Common collocations
  • tissue paper
  • wrap in tissue paper
  • sheets of tissue paper
  • layers of tissue paper
  • a piece of tissue paper
  • fold in tissue paper
  • cushion with tissue paper
  • white tissue paper
  • pink tissue paper
Synonyms
  • tissue paper

    the full compound form, preferred when clarity matters

  • wrapping paper

    broader category; 'tissue paper' is a specific type of wrapping paper

Usage Note

To avoid confusion with sense 2 (facial tissue), speakers often say 'tissue paper' explicitly for this meaning. 'Tissue paper' is much thinner than wrapping paper used for gifts.

Common Mistakes

I wrapped the gift in tissue.' (ambiguous)
I wrapped the gift in tissue paper.
Using 'tissue' alone for wrapping can be confused with facial tissue; clarify with 'tissue paper'.
Put some tissues in the box to protect the dishes.
Put some tissue paper in the box to protect the dishes.
'Tissues' (plural) suggests facial tissues, which are not ideal for wrapping.
Idioms

a tissue of lies

idiom

A story or explanation that is completely made up of lies.

The politician's speech was a tissue of lies.

Maya realized his excuse was a tissue of lies.

Word family

  • tissue paper
    nounB1
  • tissues
    nounA2
  • connective tissue
    nounC1
  • scar tissue
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

'Tissue' (facial tissue) and 'handkerchief' both serve to wipe the nose, but the key difference is disposability: tissues are paper and thrown away after one use, while handkerchiefs are cloth and washed. 'Napkin' is used at the table for wiping hands or mouth during meals — it is larger and not meant for nose use. 'Paper towel' is thicker, more absorbent, and designed for cleaning surfaces or drying hands, not for facial use. For everyday nose-blowing, 'tissue' is the most natural word in modern usage; 'handkerchief' sounds old-fashioned to many speakers. Example: 'She blew her nose with a tissue and dropped it in the bin' vs. 'He tucked his handkerchief back into his pocket after using it.'

tissue ↗handkerchief ↗napkin ↗paper towel

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishModern English

The word comes from Old French 'tissu', meaning 'a woven fabric', which was the past participle of 'tistre' (to weave). It entered English in the 14th century referring to rich woven cloth. The biological meaning — a network of similar cells forming a structural material in the body — developed in the 19th century, when scientists drew an analogy between the woven threads of fabric and the interconnected cells of living organisms.