cartilage

American  

[kahr-tl-ij, kahrt-lij] / ˈkɑr tl ɪdʒ, ˈkɑrt lɪdʒ /

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.

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cartilage British  

/ ˌkɑːtɪˈlædʒɪnəs, ˈkɑːtɪlɪdʒ, ˈkɑːtlɪdʒ /

noun

1. Nontechnical name: gristle.  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

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cartilage Scientific  

/ 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.

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cartilage Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• cartilaginous adjective

Etymology

Origin of cartilage

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

Explanation

Cartilage is the strong but bendable tissue found in various parts of your body, such as the joints. Your outer ear is made of cartilage, which is why you can pull on and bend it. Whenever you run or jump, thank your cartilage. It's the strong but stretchy tissue that supports your joints so you don't just fall to the ground in a heap. Cartilage also gives your nose its shape. And when you have a cold, you can blow that nose forcefully without hurting it because your cartilage also supports your honker.

Example Sentences

Mr. Hemming writes that upon Miller’s death, doctors found 23 battle scars, a large wound on his right abdominal cartilage, two rifle balls lodged in his liver, and mutilated fingers on his left hand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have now developed a cell-free cartilage structure designed to guide the body as it repairs damaged bone.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

To develop this new method, the team first grew cartilage tissue in the laboratory.

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

For much of the last decade, Mustaine has experienced significant discomfort since the cartilage in the tips of his fingers has worn away from decades of frenzied playing, causing the bones to scrape together.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

He had messed up his cartilage so bad that they had to operate.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor