cartilage Definition
- 1a firm, rubbery tissue in the body that cushions bones and supports organs
- 2a translucent, elastic tissue that composes the skeleton of embryos before it is replaced by bone
Using cartilage: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cartilage" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cartilage in his knee was damaged from years of running.
Example
Sharks have a skeleton made of cartilage instead of bone.
Example
The surgeon used cartilage from the patient's rib to repair his nose.
cartilage Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for cartilage
- gristle
- connective tissue
Phrases with cartilage
Example
The elastic cartilage in his ear was damaged from an injury.
a type of cartilage found in the joints, respiratory tract, and embryonic skeleton
Example
Hyaline cartilage covers the ends of bones in a joint to provide cushioning.
a type of cartilage found in the intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis, and menisci of the knee
Example
Fibrocartilage acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint.
Origins of cartilage
from Latin 'cartilago', meaning 'gristle'
Summary: cartilage in Brief
'Cartilage' [ˈkɑːtɪlɪdʒ] is a firm, rubbery tissue that cushions bones and supports organs. It is also a translucent, elastic tissue that forms the skeleton of embryos before it is replaced by bone. Examples include the cartilage in the knee, the skeleton of sharks, and the use of rib cartilage in nose surgery.