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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
Stromberg’s health and a change in regime — the Commanders replaced the front office and coaching staff — put him in limbo, and at the end of training camp an MRI revealed torn cartilage in the same knee.
—Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 29 Nov. 2024
Collagen is an important protein naturally found in connective tissues, bones, muscles, and cartilage.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024
The disorder occurs early in a foetus’ development in the womb and affects the cartilage tissue that should become a child’s arms and legs.
—Jack Guy, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
In the first round against Phoenix, Leonard tore his meniscus and suffered cartilage damage on his repaired ACL, requiring another surgery.
—Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cartilage
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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 Dec. 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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