cartilage

noun

car·​ti·​lage ˈkär-tə-lij 

ˈkärt-lij

1

: a usually translucent (see translucent sense 1) somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (such as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates

2

: a part or structure composed of cartilage

Examples of cartilage in a Sentence

She fell and damaged some cartilage in her knee.

Recent Examples on the Web

Collagen is found in connective tissue, including cartilage and tendons, so cuts of beef that are tougher (and usually less expensive) are better sources of collagen. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 9 Dec. 2025

During the operation, the cartilage that causes deviation is removed or reshaped, while bone breaking and resetting is also considered. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that the nasal septum is a thin wall of cartilage and bone that separates the two nasal passages. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

Symptoms include cartilage damage and stunted growth, leading to severe mobility issues, Nasser explains. —Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin cartilagin-, cartilago

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cartilage

• corniculate cartilage
• hyaline cartilage

Kids Definition

cartilage

noun

car·​ti·​lage ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij 

ˈkärt-lij

1

: an elastic tissue which composes most of the skeleton of the vertebrate embryo and much of which is changed to bone later in life

2

: a part or structure composed of cartilage

Medical Definition

cartilage

noun

car·​ti·​lage ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij, ˈkärt-lij 

1

: a usually translucent somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates

2

: a part or structure composed of cartilage