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
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Examples of cartilage in a Sentence
She fell and damaged some cartilage in her knee.
Recent Examples of cartilage from the Web
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David Price didn't debut until May 29 due to elbow inflammation, and is at odds with the media and fan base, reigning Cy Young winner Rick Porcello has been a dud and Steven Wright is done for the year due to torn cartilage in his left knee.
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The ball and socket are both lined with cartilage, allowing the two parts to glide smoothly against each other for painless motion.
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Stulberg made an incision into the hip and removed damaged portions of bone and cartilage from the femur.
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Prior to that, the surgeon already had built Charlotte a new nose using skin from elsewhere on her body and rib cartilage.
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Note • Third-year guard Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, who has missed the past six games and had arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage in her right knee, is doubtful to return Sunday.
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A soft cartilage disk cushions the two bone surfaces.
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In addition to the leaf and twigs and bones, Martinez noted that CY120 had eaten cartilage.
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Evidence from laboratory and veterinary research suggests that MSC may provide an alternative treatment option for conditions that affect muscle, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.
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
Other Anatomy Terms
CARTILAGE Defined for English Language Learners
cartilage
playDefinition of cartilage for English Language Learners
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: 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
playDefinition 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
playMedical 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
Learn More about cartilage
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Spanish Central: Translation of cartilage Nglish: Translation of cartilage for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cartilage for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cartilage
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