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 aforementioned vitamin C content, when taken in appropriate doses, offers a slew of potential benefits including lessening common cold symptoms, promoting heart health and making collagen, an essential protein in making the body's connective tissue, research has shown. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024

The point cut has more fat and more connective tissue. —Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 15 Mar. 2024

She was diagnosed in 2021 with a rare form of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which affects the connective tissues supporting skin, bones, blood vessels, and other organs and tissues, causing hypermobility. —Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Tender steaks turn dry and stringy; the long cooking time of cholent is best suited to tougher cuts with more connective tissue. —Benjamin Dubow, Longreads, 20 Feb. 2024

Considered a self-myofascial release tool, a foam roller can relieve soreness and inflammation, increase range of motion, alleviate muscular tension and release tight fascia — the thin layer of connective tissue under the skin surrounding muscles. —Dana Santas, CNN, 25 Mar. 2024

As cartilage, the connective tissue that acts as a cushion between joints, wears away, achiness and discomfort ensue.14 Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.15 A healthy, balanced diet and weight-bearing exercise can help prevent it.14 7. —Madeleine Burry, Health, 28 Feb. 2024

The connective tissue is that all five were on a path to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame when honored, all five now enshrined in Springfield, Mass. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2024

In short, collagen’s the glue holding our body together — ensuring strength, elasticity, and regeneration of connective tissues. —Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

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)