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connective tissue
noun
: a tissue of mesodermal origin that consists of various cells (such as fibroblasts and macrophages) and interlacing protein fibers (as of collagen) embedded in a chiefly carbohydrate ground substance, that supports, ensheathes, and binds together other tissues, and that includes loose and dense forms (such as adipose tissue, tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses) and specialized forms (such as cartilage and bone)
Examples of connective tissue in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The aforementioned vitamin C content, when taken in appropriate doses, offers a slew of potential benefits including lessening common cold symptoms, promoting heart health and making collagen, an essential protein in making the body's connective tissue, research has shown.
—Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024
The point cut has more fat and more connective tissue.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 15 Mar. 2024
She was diagnosed in 2021 with a rare form of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which affects the connective tissues supporting skin, bones, blood vessels, and other organs and tissues, causing hypermobility.
—Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
Tender steaks turn dry and stringy; the long cooking time of cholent is best suited to tougher cuts with more connective tissue.
—Benjamin Dubow, Longreads, 20 Feb. 2024
Considered a self-myofascial release tool, a foam roller can relieve soreness and inflammation, increase range of motion, alleviate muscular tension and release tight fascia — the thin layer of connective tissue under the skin surrounding muscles.
—Dana Santas, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024
As cartilage, the connective tissue that acts as a cushion between joints, wears away, achiness and discomfort ensue.14
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.15 A healthy, balanced diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent it.14
7.
—Madeleine Burry, Health, 28 Feb. 2024
The connective tissue is that all five were on a path to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame when honored, all five now enshrined in Springfield, Mass.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2024
In short, collagen’s the glue holding our body together — ensuring strength, elasticity, and regeneration of connective tissues.
—Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'connective tissue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1846, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of connective tissue was
in 1846
Dictionary Entries Near connective tissue
Cite this Entry
“Connective tissue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connective%20tissue. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Kids Definition
connective tissue
noun
: a tissue (as bone, cartilage, or tendon) that forms a supporting framework for the body or its parts and has protein fibers between the cells composing it
Medical Definition
connective tissue
noun
con·nec·tive tissue
kə-ˌnek-tiv-
: a tissue of mesodermal origin that consists of various cells (as fibroblasts and macrophages) and interlacing protein fibers (as of collagen) embedded in a chiefly carbohydrate ground substance, that supports, ensheathes, and binds together other tissues, and that includes loose and dense forms (as adipose tissue, tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses) and specialized forms (as cartilage and bone)
More from Merriam-Webster on connective tissue
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connective tissue
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