cartilage

[ kahr-tl-ij, kahrt-lij ]

noun

, Anatomy, Zoology.

1. a firm, elastic, flexible type of connective tissue of a translucent whitish or yellowish color; gristle.
2. a part or structure composed of cartilage.

cartilage

/ ˌkɑːtɪˈlædʒɪnəs; ˈkɑːtɪlɪdʒ; ˈkɑːtlɪdʒ /

noun

1. a tough elastic tissue composing most of the embryonic skeleton of vertebrates. In the adults of higher vertebrates it is mostly converted into bone, remaining only on the articulating ends of bones, in the thorax, trachea, nose, and ears Nontechnical namegristle

cartilage

/ kär′tl-ĭj /

1. A strong, flexible connective tissue that is found in various parts of the body, including the joints, the outer ear, and the larynx. During the embryonic development of most vertebrates, the skeleton forms as cartilage before most of it hardens into bone. In cartilaginous fish, the mature fish retains a skeleton made of cartilage.

cartilage

1. A kind of tough but elastic connective tissue that can withstand considerable pressure . It makes up portions of the skeletal system , such as the linings of the joints, where it cushions against shock. Cartilage is also found in other body structures, such as the nose and external ear .

Derived Forms

• cartilaginous, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cartilage¹

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Latin cartilāgō gristle

Word History and Origins

Origin of cartilage¹

C16: from Latin cartilāgō

Example Sentences

First a scaffold of cartilage, like the wobbly bit on the end of your nose, forms.

From BBC

The hit also tore his lateral cruciate ligament, shredded the cartilage in his knee and tore the hamstring off the bone.

From Los Angeles Times

Tests later revealed he broke the costal cartilage of his sixth rib.

From Los Angeles Times

After the first two games, Leonard complained of knee swelling and inflammation, and an MRI revealed cartilage damage.

From Los Angeles Times

They do not have scales and their skeletons are made completely of cartilage.

From BBC