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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
In short, collagen’s the glue holding our body together — ensuring strength, elasticity, and regeneration of connective tissues.
—Kate Donnelly, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024
In a nutshell, flexibility is about range of motion — the ability of joints, muscles and connective tissues to perform the full scope of their natural movements smoothly, without pain.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2024
This collection of awards and rituals mark the connective tissue, not only between Woods’ teams of past and present, but also reaching to the town’s rec program.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2024
The folds of flesh and connective tissue in the video looked foreign compared to what lay in front of me.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 4 Jan. 2024
New research published in Current Biology suggests that connective tissue masses are embedded in the vocal folds of the larynges of domestic cats.
—Jorge Garay, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2023
Marking something of a connective tissue from Akin’s previous film, two dance scenes play a significant part in the steady softening of Lia’s outlook.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2024
Because joints with weak connective tissue are more likely to dislocate, experts tend to recommend exercises that can help stabilize and strengthen vulnerable areas.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 1 Feb. 2024
The plantar fascia, located on the bottom of the foot, is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from heel to toe and supports and stabilizes the arch of the foot.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024
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 19 Mar. 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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