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
The announcements showed a company with ambition to become the connective tissue unifying work across entire organizations.
—
Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Two of sulfur’s primary functions are protection against bacteria and toxins, and building connective tissue.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Ankle sprains occur when one or more ligaments—the bands of tough connective tissue that run alongside and on top of the ankle joint—stretch and tear.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 11 Sep. 2025
That tree, which was planted back in 1832, becomes the connective tissue literally, biologically and possibly metaphysically, between Tony and two scientists who preceded him at the same institution.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for connective tissue
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Steve McDowell, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Two of sulfur’s primary functions are protection against bacteria and toxins, and building connective tissue.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
Ankle sprains occur when one or more ligaments—the bands of tough connective tissue that run alongside and on top of the ankle joint—stretch and tear.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 11 Sep. 2025
That tree, which was planted back in 1832, becomes the connective tissue literally, biologically and possibly metaphysically, between Tony and two scientists who preceded him at the same institution.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 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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