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

Slow running also increases the size and strength of your heart chambers, increases blood volume, and improves the strength of your connective tissues, tendons, and bones, Hamilton adds. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 20 Mar. 2026

There’s connective tissue between his character here and his PI Holland March, responsible for a headstrong daughter, in The Nice Guys, and to be fair, Gosling’s chemistry with Julia Butters (the scene-stealer from Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood) is solid. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026

Add to this the fact that each hack, slash and gunshot loses its sting, thanks to the villains’ temporary immortality, and what you’re left with is a series of ideas for energetic action moments, strung together with little connective tissue. —Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026

Cuts like chuck roast, pork shoulder, brisket, and short ribs need plenty of time for connective tissue to break down, creating the most tender, juicy results. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2026

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)