Cartilage
/ˈkɑːr.tɪ.lɪdʒ/noun
A tough, flexible connective tissue that cushions joints and shapes parts of the body.
Did you know?Cartilage enters English through Old French and Latin, and its exact deeper origin is uncertain—so the word’s ancient trail is real, but not a clean occult revelation.
Etymological Timeline
Modern English
English
cartilage
“Flexible connective tissue in joints and body structures”
Middle English
Old French
cartilage
“Cartilage; gristle”
Latin
Latin
cartilago
“Cartilage; gristle”
Pre-Latin
Unknown
*cart-
“Uncertain origin; no secure ancient root is established”