adjective
cartilaginous
kar-tih-LAJ-uh-nus/ˌkɑːrtɪˈlædʒɪnəs/
Made of or resembling cartilage.
The ear's cartilaginous structure provides firm but flexible support.
Etymology
Latin cartilago names gristle, so the adjective describes either tissue made of cartilage or something with its firm but flexible qualities.
In context
The next articulation is right here, the pubic symphysis. This is a cartilaginous joint that unites the two pubic bones at the midline.
More examples
- The injury affects a cartilaginous structure in the knee.
- The specimen includes flexible cartilaginous tissue.
- Students compare bony and cartilaginous fish.
Similar words
- bony
- Made of bone rather than cartilage.
- gristly
- An everyday term emphasizing tough cartilage in tissue.