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

After age 40, nearly 1 in 4 adults will eventually develop arthritis in their knees, with cartilage breakdown leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness that can make simple activities like walking or climbing stairs difficult. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 20 June 2025

Other research from Kaplan turns to silk for bone and blood vessel repair, skin regeneration, and regrowth of cartilage, connective tissues, and ligaments. —Amy Paturel, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025

After analyzing shark cartilage, there appear to be two different regions within it. —Discover Magazine, 20 May 2025

Helps strengthen the skeletal system, bones, and cartilage. —Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 7 May 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