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

Toe Ligaments Can Get Torn Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that link one bone to another and help hold joints in place. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

That tree, which was planted back in 1832, becomes the connective tissue literally, biologically and possibly metaphysically, between Tony and two scientists who preceded him at the same institution. —Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025

The connective tissue of all of these trade-deadline swaps — stadium-rock drummers of a certain age who are now in greater demand than ever — lends itself to overanalyzing how bizarre the timing is and overlapping factors for dismissal. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025

Born with mild cerebral palsy and a connective tissue disorder known as Marfan Syndrome, the 25-year-old ceramicist spent his adolescence in physical therapy working with putty and Play-Doh to build up dexterity and motor control. —David Nash, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 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)