Search Dictionary
Definition of cartilage

cartilage

/ˈkɑːr.tɪ.lɪdʒ/
car · ti · lage
Plural:cartilages
•
Adjective:cartilaginous
JUMP TO:

cartilage Lexical Profile

cartilage Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A firm, flexible connective tissue found in various forms in the larynx, respiratory tract, external ear, and on the articular surfaces of bones, and which makes up the entire skeleton of embryos and cartilaginous fishes such as sharks.

Example

"Years of running on hard pavement had worn down the protective cartilage in his knees."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cartilage

• Nearby Words

carter
cartful
carthorse
cartilage
cartload
cartographer
cartographic

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century via Middle French from Latin cartilago ('gristle'), likely related to cratis ('wickerwork, hurdle') in reference to its firm yet flexible woven structure.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cartilage. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cartilage
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.