Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » cartilage

cartilage

The definition of cartilage is tough, whitish tissue that is almost fully replaced by bone as someone grows into an adult.

(noun)

If you get the upper outer part of your ear pierced, the area that you pierce is an example of cartilage.

See cartilage in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

tough, elastic, whitish animal tissue; gristle: the skeletons of embryos and young animals are composed largely of cartilage, most of which later turns to bone
a part or structure consisting of cartilage

Origin: ME & OFr < L cartilago: for IE base see hurdle

See cartilage in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A tough, elastic, fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body, such as the joints, outer ear, and larynx. A major constituent of the embryonic and young vertebrate skeleton, it is converted largely to bone with maturation.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin cartilāgō, cartilāgin-

Learn more about cartilage

cartilage Culture

cartilage medical definition

cartilage science

cartilage in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box