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
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While cartilage and bone are both connective tissue, the extracellular matrix these cells are embedded in is much thinner and softer in cartilage, while in bone, that matrix is calcified and hard.
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Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
My therapist had my favorite definition so far—that love is the connective tissue between all of us that’s easy to forget.
—Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Wanda would serve as the connective tissue between the original show and the offshoot, which is expected to introduce other main characters.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2025
Even after careful trimming, game meat is still going to contain some tendon and fascia, and that tough connective tissue loves to wind itself around the auger inside your grinder.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 11 Mar. 2025
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Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 21 Mar. 2025
My therapist had my favorite definition so far—that love is the connective tissue between all of us that’s easy to forget.
—Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
Wanda would serve as the connective tissue between the original show and the offshoot, which is expected to introduce other main characters.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2025
Even after careful trimming, game meat is still going to contain some tendon and fascia, and that tough connective tissue loves to wind itself around the auger inside your grinder.
—Wes Siler, Outside Online, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for connective tissue
Cite this Entry
“Connective tissue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connective%20tissue. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical 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)
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