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

The Amazon show not only hits the game’s major plot points, but adds a new layer of connective tissue to its narrative that mostly heightens its story for the better. —Isaiah Colbert, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2024

Collagen is essential for healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and connective tissues—without it, the body cannot function properly. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Massachusetts and 38 other states have already been sending notifications about breast density, which reflects the proportion of milk glands and connective tissue to fatty tissue. —Liz Szabo, NBC News, 12 Oct. 2024

But particularly in Season 2, there’s a lot of sonic connective tissue as well. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 11 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)