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. 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

cartilage

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.

Other Word 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

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down, leading to swelling, stiffness, and discomfort.

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It develops as the cartilage that cushions bone ends wears away over time.

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"Dishes often contain meat that looks like cartilage, jelly and fat, with a high percentage of gristle," she wrote.

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He also suffered damage to his neck cartilage and nerves, preventing the choir member from singing.

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But that was short-lived as he suffered an injury to the cartilage in his knee during the game and was subsequently released.

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