chondroitin

noun chon·droi·tin \ kän-ˈdrȯi-tᵊn , -ˈdrō-ə-tən \

variants: or chondroitin sulfate

Definition of chondroitin

: any of several glycosaminoglycans that occur in sulfated form in various tissues (such as cartilage and tendons) and are used in dietary supplements in a natural or synthetic form especially to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis

Recent Examples of chondroitin from the Web

But research by Varki and colleagues demonstrated that its remnant, the unusual form of chondroitin sulfate called Gc-CS, proved remarkably durable.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Fossil molecule may help identify human ancestors," 11 Sep. 2017
Among American adults, probiotics ranked as the third most commonly used dietary supplement behind fish oil, and glucosamine and chondroitin, according to a 2015 National Health Statistics Report.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Health effects of probiotics: Where do we stand?," 13 July 2017
Nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin may help as well.

— kim campbell thornton, sacbee.com, "Puzzle toys enhance play and put pets’ brains in gear," 26 May 2017
After reviewing the scientific evidence and talking with his physician, Thomas took glucosamine and chondroitin.

— bradley j. fikes, sandiegouniontribune.com, "71% of Americans take dietary supplements, but do we need to?," 5 May 2017
Some people use supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin (often together) or fish oil for joint pain.

— consumer reports, Washington Post, "When arthritis meds don’t work, there are alternatives. But avoid some," 29 Apr. 2017
Spanish researchers randomized 164 men and women with knee osteoarthritis to take a single daily dose of 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine and 1,200 of chondroitin, or an identical looking placebo.

— nicholas bakalar, New York Times, "Placebo Beats Supplements for Arthritis Pain," 26 Jan. 2017
So far, studies have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin are no more effective than a placebo.

— consumer reports, Washington Post, "When arthritis meds don’t work, there are alternatives. But avoid some," 29 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chondroitin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of chondroitin

borrowed from German Chondroïtin, from Chondroitsäure "chondroitic acid (an acid found in cartilage)" (from chondro- chondro- + -it ¹-ite) + -in ¹-in

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1895

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year