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cartilaginous
adjective
car·ti·lag·i·nous
ˌkär-tə-ˈla-jə-nəs
: composed of, relating to, or resembling cartilage
The external nose has a cartilaginous framework.
Examples of cartilaginous in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Morphological characteristics of the fish were measured – the size of their eyes; aspects of their gill rakers, cartilaginous appendages fish use to capture tiny invertebrates; fin lengths, jaw shapes, and more.
—Keith Matheny, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
Teeth are the only widely available record of prehistoric sharks, since the cartilaginous bodies of the predatory fish do not preserve easily.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024
Sharks possess a cartilaginous skeleton, which is lighter and more flexible than bone.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
Over the next seven days, viewers will be served a monstrous helping of Great Whites, hammerheads, and many more cartilaginous carnivores.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 July 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of cartilaginous was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing cartilaginous
Dictionary Entries Near cartilaginous
Cite this Entry
“Cartilaginous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cartilaginous. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
cartilaginous
adjective
car·ti·lag·i·nous
ˌkärt-ᵊl-ˈaj-ə-nəs
: of, relating to, or resembling cartilage
More from Merriam-Webster on cartilaginous
Nglish: Translation of cartilaginous for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of cartilaginous for Arabic Speakers
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