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cartilaginous
adjective
car·ti·lag·i·nous
ˌkär-tə-ˈla-jə-nəs
: composed of, relating to, or resembling cartilage
The external nose has a cartilaginous framework.
Examples of cartilaginous in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Teeth are the only widely available record of prehistoric sharks, since the cartilaginous bodies of the predatory fish do not preserve easily.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Sep. 2024
Sharks possess a cartilaginous skeleton, which is lighter and more flexible than bone.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 7 Sep. 2024
Over the next seven days, viewers will be served a monstrous helping of Great Whites, hammerheads, and many more cartilaginous carnivores.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 7 July 2024
The commercial value of these cartilaginous appendages is so great that fishers won’t waste space in the bilges of vessels by keeping the entire fish.
—Angela Posada-Swafford, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cartilaginous
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Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of cartilaginous was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing cartilaginous
Dictionary Entries Near cartilaginous
Cite this Entry
“Cartilaginous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cartilaginous. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
cartilaginous
adjective
car·ti·lag·i·nous
ˌkärt-ᵊl-ˈaj-ə-nəs
: of, relating to, or resembling cartilage
More from Merriam-Webster on cartilaginous
Nglish: Translation of cartilaginous for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of cartilaginous for Arabic Speakers
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