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

Growth hormone is responsible for cartilage and bone growth during adolescence. —Barbie Cervoni, Health, 2 Apr. 2024

The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber. —Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024

It is made up of drumming cartilage, a specialized rib, and even some fatigue-resistant muscle. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 Feb. 2024

Since then, researchers have found more than 40 instances of cancerous tumors in at least 24 shark species — including in the cartilage and on the face of a great white shark. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024

As cartilage, the connective tissue that acts as a cushion between joints, wears away, achiness and discomfort ensue.14 Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.15 A healthy, balanced diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent it.14 7. —Madeleine Burry, Health, 28 Feb. 2024

Most sutures are beneath the surface of the skin, and minor incisions occur behind the ear (and the tragus cartilage in the ear), as well as below the neck. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024

The boswellia serrata extract will then again reduce joint pain, inflammation, cartilage, and connective tissue issues, free radicals, cytokine levels, and oxidative damage and stress. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

The apparatus includes a drumming cartilage, a specialized rib, and a fatigue-resistant muscle. —USA TODAY, 1 Mar. 2024

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