cartilage
noun
car·ti·lage ˈkär-tə-lij 
ˈkärt-lij
1
: a usually translucent (see translucent sense 1) somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (such as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates
2
: a part or structure composed of cartilage
Example Sentences
She fell and damaged some cartilage in her knee.
Recent Examples on the Web Basically, cartilage tissue has less blood circulation and therefore is slow to heal and regenerate itself. 
Mara Santilli, SELF, 6 Sep. 2022 At Gugu, slices are marinated in banana ketchup and grilled on binchotan charcoal, lending their gelatinous exterior a crispiness that matches the wink of cartilage crunch on the inside. Jiayang Fan, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2022 The synergistic blend of ingredients work to support synovial fluid viscosity as well as normal cartilage flexibility. The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 Aug. 2022 There were also chicken feet and cockscomb—the latter a prize for diners who, like me, enjoy chomping on springy cartilage. Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2022 Mora, 28, will undergo cartilage restoration surgery on the same knee Wednesday after experiencing additional symptoms, the Timbers announced Monday. oregonlive, 1 Aug. 2022 The new ear, transplanted in March, will continue to regenerate cartilage tissue, giving it the look and feel of a natural ear, the company said. New York Times, 2 June 2022 It was transplanted in March, and will continue to regenerate cartilage tissue, giving it the look and feel of a natural ear, the company told the outlet. Giovana Gelhoren, PEOPLE.com, 2 June 2022 Using a patient's own cartilage cells is less invasive, and according to Bonilla, will allow for a more flexible ear. Li Cohen, CBS News, 2 June 2022 See More
Mara Santilli, SELF, 6 Sep. 2022 At Gugu, slices are marinated in banana ketchup and grilled on binchotan charcoal, lending their gelatinous exterior a crispiness that matches the wink of cartilage crunch on the inside. Jiayang Fan, The New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2022 The synergistic blend of ingredients work to support synovial fluid viscosity as well as normal cartilage flexibility. The Salt Lake Tribune, 17 Aug. 2022 There were also chicken feet and cockscomb—the latter a prize for diners who, like me, enjoy chomping on springy cartilage. Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2022 Mora, 28, will undergo cartilage restoration surgery on the same knee Wednesday after experiencing additional symptoms, the Timbers announced Monday. oregonlive, 1 Aug. 2022 The new ear, transplanted in March, will continue to regenerate cartilage tissue, giving it the look and feel of a natural ear, the company said. New York Times, 2 June 2022 It was transplanted in March, and will continue to regenerate cartilage tissue, giving it the look and feel of a natural ear, the company told the outlet. Giovana Gelhoren, PEOPLE.com, 2 June 2022 Using a patient's own cartilage cells is less invasive, and according to Bonilla, will allow for a more flexible ear. Li Cohen, CBS News, 2 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin cartilagin-, cartilago
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing cartilage
Kids Definition
cartilage
noun
car·ti·lage ˈkär-tə-lij
: tough flexible tissue that makes up most of the skeleton of vertebrates during early development and except for in a few places in the body (as the nose or outer ear) is replaced by bone
Medical Definition
cartilage
noun
car·ti·lage ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij, ˈkärt-lij
1
: a usually translucent somewhat elastic tissue that composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos and except for a small number of structures (as some joints, respiratory passages, and the external ear) is replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates
2
: a part or structure composed of cartilage