connective tissue

noun

: a tissue of mesodermal origin that consists of various cells (such as fibroblasts and macrophages) and interlacing protein fibers (as of collagen) embedded in a chiefly carbohydrate ground substance, that supports, ensheathes, and binds together other tissues, and that includes loose and dense forms (such as adipose tissue, tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses) and specialized forms (such as cartilage and bone)

Examples of connective tissue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In mixed-use developments, property managers act as the connective tissue. —Mark Zettl, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

This acts as a connective tissue for your self of identity—past and future. —Sandy Sanchez, Architectural Digest, 23 Dec. 2024

Creatine provides energy to the cells, allowing for the creation of connective tissue, cells, and metabolism. —New Atlas, 28 Nov. 2024

Collagen is an important protein naturally found in connective tissues, bones, muscles, and cartilage. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

connective tissue

noun

: a tissue (as bone, cartilage, or tendon) that forms a supporting framework for the body or its parts and has protein fibers between the cells composing it

Medical Definition

connective tissue

noun

con·​nec·​tive tissue kə-ˌnek-tiv- 

: a tissue of mesodermal origin that consists of various cells (as fibroblasts and macrophages) and interlacing protein fibers (as of collagen) embedded in a chiefly carbohydrate ground substance, that supports, ensheathes, and binds together other tissues, and that includes loose and dense forms (as adipose tissue, tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses) and specialized forms (as cartilage and bone)