celluloid

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun highly flammable substance made from cellulose nitrate and camphor; used in e.g. motion-picture and X-ray film; its use has decreased with the development of nonflammable thermoplastics
noun a medium that disseminates moving pictures
adjective artificial as if portrayed in a film

Former trademark of Celluloid Manufacturing Company; from cellulose + -oid.

"Maybe they wear celluloid collars--if they do--because they're poor," protested Ruth. — The Trail of the Hawk: A Comedy of the Seriousness of Life, Sinclair Lewis
A phial, an Agnus Dei, a shrivelled potato and a celluloid doll fall out. — Ulysses, James Joyce
Beside it was a celluloid rhinoceros; tight in his hand a torn picture of Old King Cole. — Main Street, Sinclair Lewis

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