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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fragmented environments, that common reference point acts as connective tissue. Tony Beal, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Passages may feel incongruous at times, generating themselves from unknown electrical triggers, but the stretches of silence Doran and Carlile weave throughout act as a kind of connective tissue. Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026 Collagen is sourced from the skin, bones and connective tissues of animals like cows, pigs or fish, according to the Michigan State University Center for Research on Ingredient Safety. Dee-Ann Durbin, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026 Collagen is sourced from the skin, bones and connective tissues of animals like cows, pigs or fish, according to the Michigan State University Center for Research on Ingredient Safety. ABC News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for connective tissue

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of connective tissue was in 1846

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Cite this Entry

“Connective tissue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connective%20tissue. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

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- How to pronounce connective tissue (audio)
: 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)

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