DictionaryRoot: cartilago

Latin

cartilago

cartilage, gristle

1 / 1

A clean, isolated specimen of human outer-ear cartilage, showing the curved rim and supple folded structure that give the ear firm but flexible support.

adjective

cartilaginous

kar-tih-LAJ-uh-nus/ˌkɑːrtɪˈlædʒɪnəs/

Made of or resembling cartilage.

Etymology

cartilaginLatincartilage, gristle

+ousLatinfull of, having; characterized by

Latin cartilago names gristle, so the adjective describes either tissue made of cartilage or something with its firm but flexible qualities.

Related word entries

cartilaginous