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
That cartilage injury was worse than expected, and Jiménez could miss all or most of this season rehabbing.
—
David O'Brien, New York Times, 5 June 2025
The researchers focused particularly on the proteins found in synovial fluid in healthy and injured knee joints, that is, the viscous liquid found in joint spaces that lubricates the cartilage and helps reduce friction during movement.
—Paul McClure 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2025
In fairness, the Wizards' lack of postseason success was due in large part to Jordan missing 13 games during a 16-game stretch in February and March (during which Washington went 4-9) with torn cartilage in his right knee.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
One review of studies found that collagen also helped with cartilage repair.85
The Arthritis Foundation suggests that while collagen may help OA, the effects of collagen on rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease affecting the joints) have not been established.
—Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cartilage
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David O'Brien, New York Times, 5 June 2025
The researchers focused particularly on the proteins found in synovial fluid in healthy and injured knee joints, that is, the viscous liquid found in joint spaces that lubricates the cartilage and helps reduce friction during movement.
—Paul McClure 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2025
In fairness, the Wizards' lack of postseason success was due in large part to Jordan missing 13 games during a 16-game stretch in February and March (during which Washington went 4-9) with torn cartilage in his right knee.
—Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
One review of studies found that collagen also helped with cartilage repair.85
The Arthritis Foundation suggests that while collagen may help OA, the effects of collagen on rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease affecting the joints) have not been established.
—Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cartilage
Cite this Entry
“Cartilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cartilage. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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
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