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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

The debate remains unresolved in part due to sharks lacking bones and discovering cartilage skeletons is relatively rare.

From Salon

Freeman underwent surgery in December to remove loose bodies and floating cartilage from the ankle he severely sprained late last season.

From Los Angeles Times

I had been living my life for nearly four years with no cartilage in my hip, bone scraping bone, bone spurs forming and joint thickening.

From Salon