cartilage
/ˈkɑːt(ɪ)lɪdʒ
/noun [mass noun]
1Firm, flexible connective tissue found in various forms in the larynx and respiratory tract, in structures such as the external ear, and in the articulating surfaces of joints. It is more widespread in the infant skeleton, being replaced by bone during growth.The human body has a dynamic framework of bone and cartilage called the skeleton....
- Normally, the ball moves smoothly in its socket on a lining of shock-absorbing cartilage.
- The shape of the nose is defined by shadows as the skin moves over cartilage and bone.
1.1 [count noun] A particular structure made of cartilage: his knees failed and the cartilages were removed...
- His liver, both his kidneys, his heart valves, cartilages, skin and tendons were transplanted in operations which helped more than 30 people.
- Early reconstruction is advisable to avoid likelihood of damage to the cartilages of knee and osteo-arthritis.
- The cranial skeleton is composed of an assortment of cartilages and bones that have been highly modified during evolution.
Origin
Late Middle English: from French, from Latin cartilago, cartilagin-.