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

Then, earlier this year, she underwent surgery on her wrist to repair damaged cartilage and bone from overuse and small, repetitive traumas.

From Outside Online

The bonus bones are part of the un-fused road map of an adult skeleton, and contain gaps of cartilage that allow for extra flexibility and growth potential.

From Popular-Science

Sharks’ bodies are made of mostly cartilage, which doesn’t tend to fossilize.

From Science News

The frayed tendons and thinning cartilage, and the time and energy it takes to rehab them, can limit training, ultimately hurting performance.

From Washington Post

That length of run temporarily compresses your cartilage, so greater loads on your knee should lead to greater squeezing of the cartilage.

From Outside Online

Cartilage in his left knee tore, and everything changed for both Webber and the Kings.

From The Daily Beast

A hole developed, which had actually been caused by a breaking of a band of cartilage at the front of his hip joint.

From The Daily Beast

If inclined to be vicious, the bulls should have rings thrust through the cartilage of their nose when young.

From Project Gutenberg

Bone would prove too unyielding, but cartilage, or gristle, meets the case exactly.

From Project Gutenberg

Shows the thyroid cartilage above and the cricoid below both viewed from the side.

From Project Gutenberg

It is situated below the thyroid cartilage, with which it is connected by a membrane, the crico-thyroid.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a bone, as large as a finger, passed through the cartilage.

From Project Gutenberg