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

Whether reshaping cartilage during rhinoplasty or preserving donor follicles for future hair density, restraint today protects options tomorrow. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025

Most of the collagen found in cartilage is type II. —Maria Godoy, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025

The organization ultimately elected arthroscopic surgery in April to address lingering issues, including meniscal irritation and cartilage concerns. —Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

Celia Monreal worries every day about the cartilage loss in her husband’s knees. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2025

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