B2 noun Neutral

tissue

/ˈtɪʃuː/

Tissue refers to a group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function within a living organism. It also describes a thin, soft, and absorbent piece of disposable paper used for personal hygiene, such as wiping the nose or eyes.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to buy a box of tissues because I have a cold.

I need to buy a box of tissues because I have a cold.

2

The museum requires that delicate artifacts be wrapped in acid-free tissue to prevent degradation.

The museum requires that delicate artifacts be wrapped in acid-free tissue to prevent degradation.

3

Hey, pass me a tissue, I think I'm gonna sneeze.

Hey, pass me a tissue, I think I'm gonna sneeze.

Word Family

Noun
tissue
Related
histology
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Memory Tip

Remember that 'Tissues are for Issues'—like biological health issues or issues with a runny nose.

Quick Quiz

The athlete suffered a ______ tissue injury during the final minutes of the game.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

I need to buy a box of tissues because I have a cold.

everyday

I need to buy a box of tissues because I have a cold.

2

The museum requires that delicate artifacts be wrapped in acid-free tissue to prevent degradation.

formal

The museum requires that delicate artifacts be wrapped in acid-free tissue to prevent degradation.

3

Hey, pass me a tissue, I think I'm gonna sneeze.

informal

Hey, pass me a tissue, I think I'm gonna sneeze.

4

The researchers examined the epithelial tissue under a high-powered microscope.

academic

The researchers examined the epithelial tissue under a high-powered microscope.

5

Our quarterly report shows a significant increase in the sales of facial tissue products.

business

Our quarterly report shows a significant increase in the sales of facial tissue products.

Word Family

Noun
tissue
Related
histology

Common Collocations

soft tissue soft tissue
scar tissue scar tissue
connective tissue connective tissue
facial tissue facial tissue
box of tissues box of tissues

Common Phrases

a tissue of lies

a tissue of lies (a story full of falsehoods)

soft tissue injury

soft tissue injury

muscle tissue

muscle tissue

Often Confused With

tissue vs napkin

A napkin is thicker and used for wiping the mouth during meals, while a tissue is thinner and used for the nose or face.

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Usage Notes

In a biological context, tissue is often used as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'damaged tissue'). When referring to the paper product, it is usually a countable noun (e.g., 'a box of tissues').

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'tissue' when they mean a 'cloth napkin' at a restaurant. 'Tissue' almost always implies a disposable paper product or a biological structure.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that 'Tissues are for Issues'—like biological health issues or issues with a runny nose.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French word 'tissu', meaning 'woven', which describes how fibers or cells are interlaced.

Grammar Patterns

Plural form: tissues Used as an uncountable noun in medical contexts Commonly used in compound nouns like 'tissue paper'
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Cultural Context

In many English-speaking countries, people use 'Kleenex' as a generic term for any brand of facial tissue.

Quick Quiz

The athlete suffered a ______ tissue injury during the final minutes of the game.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Related Grammar Rules

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