noun
Uncommon
cartilage
KAH-tihl-ihj
Cartilage (noun) means a tough, flexible connective tissue found in joints, the ear, nose, and other parts of the body. Example: “A torn cartilage in his knee kept him out of the match.”
noun
1
A tough, flexible connective tissue found in joints, the ear, nose, and other parts of the body.
"A torn cartilage in his knee kept him out of the match."
"Cartilage cushions the ends of bones where they meet at a joint."
How to use cartilage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe flexible tissue in joints and body parts like the ear and nose — softer than bone but tougher than muscle.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
torn cartilage
cartilage damage
ear cartilage
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like cartilage.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- cartilages
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A torn _____ in his knee kept him out of the match.
Etymology
Borrowed from French cartilage, from Latin cartilago. It largely replaced the older native English word "gristle," which is still used informally for cartilage in meat.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for cartilage
See all rhymes for cartilage →Frequently asked questions
What does “cartilage” mean?
The word “cartilage” means a tough, flexible connective tissue found in joints, the ear, nose, and other parts of the body. In plain terms, the flexible tissue in joints and body parts like the ear and nose — softer than bone but tougher than muscle.
How do you pronounce “cartilage”?
“Cartilage” is pronounced KAH-tihl-ihj (/ˈkɑɹ.təl.ɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cartilage” in a sentence?
Here is “cartilage” used in a sentence: “A torn cartilage in his knee kept him out of the match.”
What part of speech is “cartilage”?
“Cartilage” is a noun.
Where does the word “cartilage” come from?
The word “cartilage” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French cartilage, from Latin cartilago. It largely replaced the older native English word "gristle," which is still used informally for cartilage in meat.
Is “cartilage” a common word?
“Cartilage” is an uncommon word in modern English.
