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

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

Longtime safety Harrison Smith might not return for 2026, costing the Vikings defense its connective tissue, invaluable in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ chaotic schemes. — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026

Someone with a connective tissue disorder might walk the length of a supermarket on Tuesday and need a chair to cross an airport on Thursday. — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

The powder contains hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides providing Types I and III collagen, which are abundant in connective tissues including skin. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 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)