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
It's caused by irritation and damage to a thick band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, which helps with shock absorption during weight-bearing activities like walking, running and jumping.
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Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
That kind of connective tissue — the legends who still show up spring after spring — is important for a franchise.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
But those Comets became part of the connective tissue of soccer’s growth here.
—Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
Dairy Dairy, such as cheese, milk, and eggs, does not contain connective tissue and, therefore, has no collagen.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for connective tissue
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Allison Aubrey, NPR, 2 Mar. 2026
That kind of connective tissue — the legends who still show up spring after spring — is important for a franchise.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
But those Comets became part of the connective tissue of soccer’s growth here.
—Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
Dairy Dairy, such as cheese, milk, and eggs, does not contain connective tissue and, therefore, has no collagen.
—Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for connective tissue
Cite this Entry
“Connective tissue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connective%20tissue. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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)
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