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

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In fact, Shapiro says that collagen exclusively comes from animals, found in the skin, bones, and connective tissue of chicken, pork, fish, and beef, as well as bone broth. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026 There’s still connective tissue to the past, including Lin Shaye’s Elise Rainier and the demons her spirit contends with in the purgatorial dimension known as the Further. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026 The album moves effortlessly between the two, with Lani Hall’s scatting serving as connective tissue. — Air Mail, 22 Aug. 2026 That makes identity the connective tissue between AI innovation and organizational trust. — Fran Rosch, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for connective tissue

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of connective tissue was in 1846

Rhymes for connective tissue

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Browse Nearby Words

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connective tissue
connectivity
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Cite this Entry

“Connective tissue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connective%20tissue. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

connective tissue

noun
: a tissue (as bone, cartilage, or tendon) that forms a supporting framework for the body or its parts and has protein fibers between the cells composing it

Medical Definition

connective tissue

noun
con·​nec·​tive tissue kə-ˌnek-tiv- How to pronounce connective tissue (audio)
: 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)

More from Merriam-Webster on connective tissue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about connective tissue

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