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

That connective tissue between technical depth and customer relationships has always been the foundation of long-term success for any technology provider. — Mike Trkay, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Why Turkey is the connective tissue Turkey sits at the intersection of these two security tracks. — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026

Lean mass includes muscle, but also water, glycogen (energy stored in the body), organs, connective tissue, and other nonfat tissue. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Sep. 2026

For Clarins’ Hair Therapy line, a team explored fibroblasts — connective tissue cells — in people’s scalps, called dermal papilla, which impact hair’s shine, quality and density. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 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)