connective tissue

American  

noun

Anatomy.

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

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of connective tissue

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

connective tissue

HSD can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms because the connective tissue within the digestive system is stretchier.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

This is because the amount of cartilage, a tough but flexible kind of connective tissue, and fluid in your joints decreases over time.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

But these two events share unexpected connective tissue — moms seeking to expand their athletic identities.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

Shares soared 12% on Wednesday after Nvidia announced plans to invest $500 million in the glassmaker to expand manufacturing of fiber optics, a key connective tissue for AI infrastructure.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 7, 2026

The connective tissue under the skin had been destroyed by the virus, causing a subtle distortion of the face.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston