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 woodpeckers and other birds, the wing joints are reinforced by a network of soft, prestressed connective tissue that helps absorb shocks from collisions with obstacles. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025 The connective tissue is the documentary crew from The Office, searching for its next subject. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2025 The announcements showed a company with ambition to become the connective tissue unifying work across entire organizations. Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Two of sulfur’s primary functions are protection against bacteria and toxins, and building connective tissue. Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025 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 29 Sep. 2025.

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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