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

Foam Rolling While not technically a direct stretch to one particular muscle group, foam rolling helps improve the mobility of your fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles. —Jakob Roze, Health, 27 Nov. 2025

The genetic disorder impacts connective tissue, causing overly flexible joints and fragile and stretchy skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

There is direct connective tissue. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 21 Nov. 2025

Pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by a variety of factors, including pregnancy and childbirth, aging, obesity, connective tissue disorders, nerve damage, stress, anxiety, or physical trauma to the pelvic floor. —Sara Braun, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 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)