connective tissue

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. a tissue, usually of mesoblastic origin, that connects, supports, or surrounds other tissues, organs, etc.

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connective tissue British  

noun

1. an animal tissue developed from the embryonic mesoderm that consists of collagen or elastic fibres, fibroblasts, fatty cells, etc, within a jelly-like matrix. It supports organs, fills the spaces between them, and forms tendons and ligaments

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connective tissue Scientific  

/ kə-nĕk′tĭv /

1. Tissue that connects, supports, binds, or encloses the structures of the body. Connective tissues are made up of cells embedded in an extracellular matrix and include bones, cartilage, mucous membranes, fat, and blood.

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connective tissue Cultural  

1. Body tissue that serves to connect or support other tissues or parts. Cartilage, tendons, and bone are all kinds of connective tissue.

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Etymology

Origin of connective tissue

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

This quantum software will serve as the so-called connective tissue in hybrid models linking quantum systems with classical machines.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

“I don’t think people can appreciate how she is very much the connective tissue to a lot of what we are seeing that has taken place.”

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

"The protective function of these connective tissue cells is usually considerably reduced in people who develop psoriatic arthritis," says Prof. Dr. Andreas Ramming, team leader and deputy head of department at Department of Medicine 3.

From Science Daily • Feb. 5, 2026

Hamilton points to research on female athletes that found higher rates of ligament injuries at certain points in the cycle, likely linked to estrogen’s effects on connective tissue.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

The connective tissue in his face is dissolving, and his face appears to hang from the underlying bone, as if the face is detaching itself from the skull.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston