tissue

tissue — noun

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

1.名詞B2
釋義

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.

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

用法筆記

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').

常見錯誤

❌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.名詞A2
釋義

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.

例句

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

同義詞
  • facial tissue

    more formal or product-label term for the same item

  • Kleenex

    a common brand name used generically, especially in American English

反義詞
  • handkerchief

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

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.名詞B1
釋義

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.

例句

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

同義詞
  • tissue paper

    the full compound form, preferred when clarity matters

  • wrapping paper

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

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.