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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
Summary Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that helps support the skin, cartilage, bone, and connective tissue.
—Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024
For creative to perform in the way it's expected to, data needs to serve as the connective tissue across the growth engine for the entire digital marketing team, including creative strategists.
—Alex Song, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
Due to the long striation and connective tissue, the flank takes well to a marinade, which can help break it down, and making the texture more tender and palatable, according to Pandel.
—Mary Squillace, Robb Report, 27 Sep. 2024
Signals from endothelial cells organize the growth and development of connective tissue cells that form the surrounding layers of blood vessel walls.
—New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for connective tissue
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'connective tissue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1846, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of connective tissue was
in 1846
Dictionary Entries Near connective tissue
Cite this Entry
“Connective tissue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connective%20tissue. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
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)
More from Merriam-Webster on connective tissue
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connective tissue
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