cartilage

noun car·ti·lage \ ˈkär-tə-lij , ˈkärt-lij \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Definition of cartilage

1 : a usually translucent (see translucent 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

See cartilage defined for English-language learners

See cartilage defined for kids

Examples of cartilage in a Sentence

She fell and damaged some cartilage in her knee.

Recent Examples of cartilage from the Web

In fact, in many studies runners seem to be less likely to develop knee problems, perhaps due to their lower weight, reduced systemic inflammation, and the ability of cartilage to adapt and get stronger in response to regular exercise.

— alex hutchinson, Outside Online, "Running with Bad Knees Might Be OK After All," 25 May 2018
There is a greater doubt about the presence of the goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who had surgery on a problem with the cartilage in his knee in February, and returned slower than expected for his Mexican club side Veracruz.

— jonathan wilson, SI.com, "In or Out? Big Names Whose World Cup Fate Hangs in the Balance," 11 May 2018
This poor posture, Gsellman believed, developed after surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left (nonthrowing) shoulder before the 2017 season.

— james wagner, New York Times, "The Mets’ Posture Improved Along With This Pitcher’s," 28 Apr. 2018
Camarillo stated that a follow-up MRI showed Durham’s knee was recovering well and his body was starting to grow cartilage in the correct places.

— alvaro montaño, Houston Chronicle, "Langham Creek’s Nolan Durham aims to fulfill dream after reconstructive knee surgery," 25 Apr. 2018
Position battles The only question entering spring training is whether or not second baseman Daniel Murphy will be fully recovered from October surgery to repair cartilage in his knee.

— steve gardner, USA TODAY, "Nationals have a wealth of elite fantasy options," 15 Feb. 2018
Starting with lighter weights and focusing on proper knee-leg alignment—knees over your ankles, not in front of them—is essential to protecting the tendons, bones, and cartilage that work together to straighten the knee.

— jay willis, GQ, "How to Avoid the Most Common Injuries in the Weight Room," 23 Jan. 2018
Your body uses amino acids to build muscle, bone, cartilage, skin, hair, connective tissue, and a lot else.

— markham heid, Good Housekeeping, "6 Things You Need To Know Before Taking A Collagen Supplement," 19 May 2017
The cartilage becomes thinner and less able to retain fluid.

— kim campbell thornton, sacbee, "A painful truth: One-fifth of dogs, many cats develop osteoarthritis," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cartilage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cartilage

Middle English, from Latin cartilagin-, cartilago

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

CARTILAGE Defined for English Language Learners

cartilage

noun

Definition of cartilage for English Language Learners

: a strong but flexible material found in some parts of the body (such as the nose, the outer ear, and some joints)

CARTILAGE Defined for Kids

cartilage

noun car·ti·lage \ ˈkär-tə-lij \

Definition of cartilage for Students

: tough flexible tissue that makes up most of the skeleton of vertebrates during early development and except for in a few places in the body (as the nose or outer ear) is replaced by bone

Medical Dictionary

cartilage

noun car·ti·lage \ ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij, ˈkärt-lij \

medical Definition of cartilage

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