cartilage
UK: ˈkɑː.tɪ.lɪdʒ | US: ˈkɑːr.t̬əl.ɪdʒ
n. A flexible, connective tissue found in joints, the rib cage, the ear, and other parts of the body.
The word "cartilage" originates from the Latin cartilago, meaning "gristle" or "tough tissue." The suffix -age was adopted into Middle English via Old French, often used to form nouns indicating a state or condition. The term has retained its anatomical meaning, referring to the resilient connective tissue in vertebrates.
The doctor explained that the injury damaged the cartilage in his knee.
Sharks have skeletons made entirely of cartilage, not bone.
Over time, aging can cause cartilage to wear down, leading to joint pain.
Cartilage provides cushioning between bones in movable joints.
The surgeon repaired the torn cartilage in her shoulder.