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

On paper, Daphne and Eddie’s relationship was brief and lacked the connective tissue (DNA, legal documents) that might otherwise legitimize it. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

Viktor Gyokeres had become less effective the longer his first start of the season went on, while Saka began to drift, but the second-half introductions of Kai Havertz and Tzolis helped build some connective tissue in the final third. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Linking seemingly disparate elements helps surface the connective tissue that already exists, both inside and outside the organization. — Liz Guthridge, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

For Fanatics, the fest is emerging as a connective tissue of sorts, a real-life space where all of its business lines converge, beyond the entertainment programming. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 8 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)