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

When your body’s braking system is undertrained, the force generated by gravity and momentum puts unnecessary stress on your joints and connective tissue that can lead to chronic pain and injury. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Corporate entities have understood the connective tissue between audiobooks and podcasts for years. — Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Regular strength training strengthens stabilizing muscles, connective tissue, and bone, and builds muscular endurance, which supports activities performed at a consistent, moderate intensity, like cycling, hiking, and gardening. — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 17 Aug. 2026

Sesame seeds are also among the richest natural food sources of copper, a mineral needed for energy production, connective tissue formation, immune function and antioxidant defenses. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Aug. 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)