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

The suspicion arises that the new film has been chopped up in the editing room, removing some of the connective tissue. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026

That is why memory could become the connective tissue for real world autonomy, and the new class of Physical AI that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the market. — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Since the SpaceX-xAI merger closed in February, Shotwell also formally helps oversee xAI’s operations, cementing her position as the connective tissue across the entire Musk empire. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 20 June 2026

How Duckbill is Blending AI and Human Workloads This is where Joyce came up with the idea for an AI/human platform that could function as the connective tissue between those two realities. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 18 June 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)