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

It's made by simmering animal bones on low heat for almost 24 hours, allowing the collagen in the connective tissue to break down and infuse the liquid with protein and nutrients. —Johna Burdeos, Health, 10 Mar. 2025

Collagen is made from connective tissue from animals such as cows and chickens. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025

Eventually, the collagen—a large part of that connective tissue—will break down, converting to gelatin. —Alexis Deboschnek, Bon Appétit, 5 Feb. 2025

For most athletes, especially those in endurance sports, injuries occur in the connective tissues of the joints. —Wes Judd, Outside Online, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for connective tissue

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

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)