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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
The connective tissue was provided by The CW, which is steadily increasing its inventory of live sports.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 31 May 2024
It’s become a cathartic practice and wordless diary, connective tissue when so much around us seems to be fracturing, something full of guts and blood and soul that feels deeply personal and unapologetically human.
—Michael Gallant, Billboard, 15 May 2024
The couple make their chin rests from wood harvested on their land in the Cinque Terre and their glue from fish skin or the connective tissue of cows.
—Julie Orringer, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2024
Joints are wrapped in a capsule of connective tissue that secretes synovial fluid as a lubricant when the joints are moved.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for connective tissue
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'connective tissue.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1846, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of connective tissue was
in 1846
Dictionary Entries Near connective tissue
Cite this Entry
“Connective tissue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connective%20tissue. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.
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)
More from Merriam-Webster on connective tissue
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connective tissue
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