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

Doctors landed on a diagnosis of costochondritis, which Mayo Clinic describes as an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026

But Musgrove was shut down in spring training due to discomfort caused by a lack of cartilage in his elbow, and Pivetta departed his fourth start of the season with what was diagnosed as a flexor strain in his elbow. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Collagen supports joint health by reducing inflammation, improving cartilage repair, and enhancing joint stability and mobility. — Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 31 July 2026

The most common types are osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear of cartilage) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease). — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 29 July 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