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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
My surgeon had to recreate the tip of my nose by cutting out a piece of my cartilage from my inner septum.
—Athena Sobhan, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
The Bulls have kept Ball under a strict 14- to 16-minute restriction in his first three games back following a two-season absence due to an injury that required three surgeries and the replacement of most of the cartilage in his left knee, including his meniscus.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
Stem cells can enhance the growth of cartilage and supporting tissue, thus improving tissue repair.
—Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2024
In recent years, Lee had been playing with Red Dragon Cartel, though an issue with a lack of cartilage in his right hand forced him to focus on pain management and physical therapy to get back into performance shape.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin cartilagin-, cartilago
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of cartilage was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing cartilage
Dictionary Entries Near cartilage
Cite this Entry
“Cartilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cartilage. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on cartilage
Nglish: Translation of cartilage for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of cartilage for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cartilage
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