First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
cartilage
noun car·ti·lage \ˈkär-tə-lij, ˈkärt-lij\
: a strong but flexible material found in some parts of the body (such as the nose, the outer ear, and some joints)
Full Definition of CARTILAGE
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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Origin of CARTILAGE
Middle English, from Latin cartilagin-, cartilago
Other Anatomy Terms
CARTILAGE Defined for Kids
cartilage
noun car·ti·lage \ˈkär-tə-lij\
Definition of CARTILAGE for Kids
: tough flexible tissue that makes up most of the skeleton of vertebrates during early development and except for in a few places in the body (as the nose or outer ear) is replaced by bone
Medical Dictionary
cartilage
noun car·ti·lage \ˈkärt-əl-ij, ˈkärt-lij\
Medical Definition of CARTILAGE
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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