cartilage

noun

car·​ti·​lage ˈkär-tə-lij 

ˈkärt-lij

1

: a usually translucent (see translucent sense 1) somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (such as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates

2

: a part or structure composed of cartilage

Examples of cartilage in a Sentence

She fell and damaged some cartilage in her knee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Deep fascia surrounds your musculoskeletal system, covering muscles, bones, tendons, cartilage, nerves, and blood vessels. —Scott Haak, EverydayHealth.com, 6 May 2026

Like her gown, her face, earlobe, and cartilage were full of all types of jewels both silver-, bronze-, and gold-toned. —Essence, 5 May 2026

There were four procedures, including knee cartilage transplant surgery. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 4 May 2026

The Swedish forward went on to miss three seasons with right knee problems, going under the knife for knee cartilage replacement surgery in May 2023. —Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 4 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin cartilagin-, cartilago

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cartilage

• corniculate cartilage
• hyaline cartilage

Kids Definition

cartilage

noun

car·​ti·​lage ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij 

ˈkärt-lij

1

: an elastic tissue which composes most of the skeleton of the vertebrate embryo and much of which is changed to bone later in life

2

: a part or structure composed of cartilage

Medical Definition

cartilage

noun

car·​ti·​lage ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij, ˈkärt-lij 

1

: a usually translucent somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates

2

: a part or structure composed of cartilage