connective tissue

noun

: a tissue of mesodermal origin that consists of various cells (such as fibroblasts and macrophages) and interlacing protein fibers (as of collagen) embedded in a chiefly carbohydrate ground substance, that supports, ensheathes, and binds together other tissues, and that includes loose and dense forms (such as adipose tissue, tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses) and specialized forms (such as cartilage and bone)

Examples of connective tissue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The set becomes packaging—connective tissue for a show, not just a collection of songs sung live. —Alex Rigotti, Architectural Digest, 16 Dec. 2025

May Improve Muscle Health Collagen is a key component of muscles and connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 15 Dec. 2025

Ismet presented his new book, Unspeakable Home, a novel addressed to comedian Bill Burr in letters that serve as connective tissue between the chapters. —Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025

Now Cena can focus on being the connective tissue of James Gunn’s DCU. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for connective tissue

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

connective tissue

noun

: a tissue (as bone, cartilage, or tendon) that forms a supporting framework for the body or its parts and has protein fibers between the cells composing it

Medical Definition

connective tissue

noun

con·​nec·​tive tissue kə-ˌnek-tiv- 

: a tissue of mesodermal origin that consists of various cells (as fibroblasts and macrophages) and interlacing protein fibers (as of collagen) embedded in a chiefly carbohydrate ground substance, that supports, ensheathes, and binds together other tissues, and that includes loose and dense forms (as adipose tissue, tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses) and specialized forms (as cartilage and bone)