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

Animal bones and connective tissue are simmered in water for up to 48 hours to access the protein, collagen and amino acids locked inside. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 7 May 2026

This song defines America for me because of Joni’s innate ability to point out the connective tissue between the minor infraction and mass destruction, the personal and the political. —Time, 6 May 2026

On the surface, Cannes and the Fast franchise would seem odd bedfellows, but there’s actually connective tissue here. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 May 2026

These classic décor elements serve as the connective tissue of interior design, bringing comfort, harmony and warmth to a space. —Sandra Guzman, USA Today, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for connective tissue

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

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)