cartilage
[ kahr-tl-ij, kahrt-lij ]
/ ˈkɑr tl ɪdʒ, ˈkɑrt lɪdʒ /
noun Anatomy, Zoology.
a firm, elastic, flexible type of connective tissue of a translucent whitish or yellowish color; gristle.
a part or structure composed of cartilage.
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Origin of cartilage
1350–1400; Middle English (<Middle French ) <Latin cartilāgō gristle
Words nearby cartilage
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for cartilage
British Dictionary definitions for cartilage
cartilage
/ (ˈkɑːtɪlɪdʒ, ˈkɑːtlɪdʒ) /
noun
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 earsNontechnical name: gristle
Derived forms of cartilage
cartilaginous (ˌkɑːtɪˈlædʒɪnəs), adjectiveWord Origin for cartilage
C16: from Latin cartilāgō
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for cartilage
cartilage
[ kär′tl-ĭj ]
n.
A tough, elastic, fibrous connective tissue that is a major constituent of embryonic and young vertebrate skeletons, is converted largely to bone with maturation, and is found in various parts of the adult body, such as the joints, outer ear, and larynx.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for cartilage
cartilage
[ kär′tl-ĭj ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for cartilage
cartilage
[ (kahr-tl-ij) ]
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.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.