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

Derived 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

Damage to the cartilage in his knees was causing such severe pain that he could barely walk up and down stairs.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Russian scientists working with government agencies claim to have bioprinted human cartilage tissue and a mouse thyroid gland, with the aim of achieving human organ replacement by 2030.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

In setting out Jonathan’s defense, one of the filing’s most striking assertions is that Isak suffered from bilateral gonarthrosis in both knees, a degenerative joint condition that causes cartilage wear, pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

The disease gradually wears down the cartilage that cushions joints.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

His father’s plate is polished clean, the chicken bones denuded of cartilage and chewed to a pinkish pulp, the bay leaf and cinnamon stick as good as new.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri