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

Collagen is found in your muscles, cartilage, bones, tendons and ligaments. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026

However, there is a risk of the shinbone rubbing against the femur with this type of injury, which can injure the cartilage (which is designed to reduce friction between the bones). —Korin Miller, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026

Four snake around his left knee, remnants of the torn ACL, torn MCL and torn lateral meniscus in 2013 that required four surgeries, a cartilage transplant from a cadaver and 17 months off snow. —Zak Keefer, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

It's made from simmering bones and cartilage together with spices and vegetables. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 29 Jan. 2026

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