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

But not getting enough vitamin C can cause scurvy (yes, the disease that plagued historical sailors and pirates), a condition that causes fatigue, connective tissue weakness and weakened blood vessels, per the ODS. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 17 June 2025

Collagen is found in connective tissues and provides the structural framework for the body, including hair and skin. —Barbie Cervoni, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025

Copper is important for making connective tissue, while folate is needed for cell growth and red blood cell development.1213 One cup of beet juice also provides some magnesium and iron. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 10 June 2025

That underscores the connective tissue between Trump’s first and second terms – and the number of Trump advisers who were by his side then and now. —Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 4 June 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)