ˈseləˌfān noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary cell- + -phane (as in diaphane ); originally formed in French
: a transparent sheet or tube of regenerated cellulose highly impermeable to dry gases, grease, and bacteria made by extruding alkaline viscose solution through a narrow straight or circular die into an acid bath, usually moisture-proofed by thin coatings and sometimes dyed, and used chiefly as wrappers or bags for packaging food and merchandise, window envelopes, or bags for dialysis