B2noun2K

Tissue

UK /["/ˈtɪʃuː/"]/US /["/ˈtɪʃuː/"]/

Definition

a piece of soft paper, used especially as a handkerchief

In simple words: A thin piece of paper used for cleaning, like blowing your nose.

Examples

  • a box of tissues
  • He wiped his nose on a tissue.
  • She grabbed a wad of tissues from the box and soaked up the spilt juice.
  • **muscle/brain/lung tissue**
  • scar tissue
  • Dyes were extracted by boiling the plant tissue.
  • She treats skin and soft tissue injuries in casualty.
  • Vitamin C helps maintain healthy connective tissue.

Usage notes

Use 'tissue' when referring to the paper product. It’s more appropriate in conversations about health or hygiene rather than in formal writing or discussions.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'tissue' as 'a clean issue' for blowing your nose.

Collocations

  • paper
  • toilet
  • box
  • pack
  • package
  • use
  • take
  • on a/​the tissue
  • with a/​the tissue
  • living
  • healthy
  • normal
  • damage
  • remove

Synonyms

  • paper handkerchief
  • facial tissue
  • napkin

Antonyms

  • solid
  • rock
  • metal

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'tissues' when talking about multiple sheets.
  • Used 'tissue' to mean body tissue, which is less common in everyday conversation.
  • Spelled incorrectly as 'tisssue'.