cartilaginous

adjective

car·​ti·​lag·​i·​nous ˌkär-tə-ˈla-jə-nəs 

: composed of, relating to, or resembling cartilage

The external nose has a cartilaginous framework.

Examples of cartilaginous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But what scientists know about the extinct creature has been almost entirely determined from fossil teeth—since paleontologists have yet to discover a complete megalodon, and the animals’ cartilaginous skeletons don’t preserve well. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2025

Sharks have only a cartilaginous skeleton that quickly decays after death, only their hard teeth survive the long and arduous fossilization process. —David Bressan, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025

Demonstrating that cartilaginous jawed fish also have synovial joints opens up the questions of whether their–and our–common ancestor also had them. —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025

These aquatic, semiaquatic or terrestrial creatures are easily recognized thanks to their bony, cartilaginous shells and slow-pace movements. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cartilaginous

• cartilaginous fish

Kids Definition

cartilaginous

adjective

car·​ti·​lag·​i·​nous ˌkärt-ᵊl-ˈaj-ə-nəs 

: of, relating to, or resembling cartilage

Medical Definition

cartilaginous

adjective

car·​ti·​lag·​i·​nous -nəs 

: composed of, relating to, or resembling cartilage