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
Examples of cartilage in a Sentence
She fell and damaged some cartilage in her knee.
Recent Examples on the Web
One meta-analysis found that regular stretching is an effective treatment for people with joint immobility from osteoarthritis (cartilage in joints breaks down due to wear and tear or age, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain).
—
Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024
The reports say the president has spondylosis, a condition that causes the spine to degenerate from wear and tear on cartilage and bones.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 10 July 2024
Glucosamine supplements may help reduce inflammation and help slow the loss of cartilage.
—Kelsey Kunik, Rd, Health, 10 Aug. 2024
The thinning of the cartilage also narrows the space between the bones.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cartilage 
Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024
The reports say the president has spondylosis, a condition that causes the spine to degenerate from wear and tear on cartilage and bones.
—Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 10 July 2024
Glucosamine supplements may help reduce inflammation and help slow the loss of cartilage.
—Kelsey Kunik, Rd, Health, 10 Aug. 2024
The thinning of the cartilage also narrows the space between the bones.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cartilage
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cartilage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cartilage
Cite this Entry
“Cartilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cartilage. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cartilage
noun
car·ti·lage
ˈkärt-ᵊl-ij
ˈkärt-lij
1
: an elastic tissue which composes most of the skeleton of the vertebrate embryo and much of which is changed to bone later in life
2
: a part or structure composed of cartilage
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share