cartilaginous

/,kɑ:ti'lædʤinəs/

Friendly

The word "cartilaginous" is an adjective that describes something that is made of or related to cartilage. Cartilage is a tough, flexible tissue found in places like your nose, ears, and joints (where bones meet).

Simple Explanation:

• Cartilaginous means "related to cartilage" or "having a texture that is difficult to chew," like some kinds of meat or fish that are not tender.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "cartilaginous" when you want to describe something that has a hard but flexible quality or when talking about parts of the body that have cartilage.

Example:

• "The fish had a cartilaginous structure, making it different from bony fish."
• "I find that cut of meat too cartilaginous to enjoy."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "cartilaginous" can be used in discussions about anatomy, biology, or paleontology (the study of fossils). For example: - "Sharks are classified as cartilaginous fish because their skeletons are made of cartilage instead of bone."

Word Variants:

• Cartilage (noun): The tissue itself that is flexible and supportive.
• Cartilaginousness (noun): The quality or state of being cartilaginous.

Different Meanings:

Primarily, "cartilaginous" relates to anatomy. It does not have many different meanings outside of scientific contexts.

Synonyms:

• Flexible
• Tough
• Firm (in a biological context)
• Non-bony (when contrasting with bony structures)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "cartilaginous," as it is a more technical term used mainly in biology and anatomy.

Summary:

"Cartilaginous" refers to something made of or related to cartilage, often indicating a texture that is difficult to chew.

Academic

Adjective

1. difficult to chew
2. of or relating to cartilage

Synonyms

• gristly
• rubbery