cartilage Meaning & Definition
What Does Cartilage Mean?
As a noun, cartilage means A usually translucent and somewhat elastic, dense, nonvascular 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 composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos, being replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates. It is also used to mean A particular structure made of cartilage.
Word Facts for Cartilage
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈkɑː.tɪl.ɪd͡ʒ/ |
| Syllables | 3 |
| Synonyms | gristle |
| Plural | cartilages |
Cartilage Definition (Noun)
- A usually translucent and somewhat elastic, dense, nonvascular 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 composes most of the skeleton of vertebrate embryos, being replaced by bone during ossification in the higher vertebrates.
- A particular structure made of cartilage.
Noun
- A type of dense, non-vascular connective tissue, usually found at the end of joints, the rib cage, the ear, the nose, in the throat and between intervertebral disks.
Synonyms of Cartilage
Cartilage synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
cartilage (countable and uncountable, plural cartilages)
Origin of Cartilage
Borrowed from French cartilage, from Latin cartilāgō. Partially displaced native gristle, from Old English gristel.
How Do You Say Cartilage?
Cartilage is pronounced /ˈkɑː.tɪl.ɪd͡ʒ/ and has 3 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (kɑː).
Questions People Ask About Cartilage
What part of speech is cartilage?
Cartilage is a noun.
What is another word for cartilage?
Words with a similar meaning to cartilage include gristle. See the full list of cartilage synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of cartilage?
The plural of cartilage is cartilages.