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

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the muscles, connective tissue, and gastrointestinal tract. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 3 Oct. 2024

Kinne pointed to their connective tissue, primarily Norvell. —Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 12 Sep. 2024

Summary Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that helps support the skin, cartilage, bone, and connective tissue. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2024

For creative to perform in the way it's expected to, data needs to serve as the connective tissue across the growth engine for the entire digital marketing team, including creative strategists. —Alex Song, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

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)