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

Example Sentences

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 7, 2026

Regular, structured exercise addresses many of these drivers at the same time, helping protect cartilage, support the entire joint, and improve overall health.

From Science Daily • Mar. 4, 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

"But let's see how they respond, with no cartilage and no meniscus..."

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

The cartilage in his nose was twisted—it’d been broken by the lash of a wayward logging cable in the winter of 1915.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson