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

Start by making a quick, 40-minute chicken stock out of the leftover bones and scraps (cartilage, skin) and water. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025

Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is a joint condition in which the protective cartilage between bones wears down over time. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 12 Feb. 2025

The researchers also confirmed that abundant lipid droplets form in human cartilage cells grown in the lab from embryonic stem cells. —New Atlas, 30 Jan. 2025

This contributes meaningfully to the structural properties of cartilage. —Max G. Levy, WIRED, 9 Jan. 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