Definition

1. Noun:
   • The connective tissue that forms a scar: Scar tissue is the fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin or other tissue after an injury or wound has healed. It is primarily composed of cells called fibroblasts and protein fibers, mainly collagen.

Usage

• Scar tissue is a biological result of the healing process. It is less functional and has a different appearance (often paler, thicker, or raised) compared to the original tissue.
• It is used to describe the physical, permanent mark left after healing, as well as the internal tissue structure itself.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon had to carefully cut through the tough scar tissue from the previous operation.
  • After the severe burn healed, a thick layer of scar tissue remained on her arm.
  • Physical therapy can help break down scar tissue and improve mobility in the joint.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: "Scar tissue" can be used metaphorically to describe lasting emotional or psychological damage from a past traumatic experience.
  • Years of conflict had left emotional scar tissue on their relationship, making trust difficult.

Variants and Related Words

• Scar (n): The visible mark left on the skin or other tissue after a wound has healed. (e.g., )
• Fibrosis (n): The thickening and scarring of connective tissue, often as a result of injury or long-term inflammation. Scar tissue is a form of fibrosis.
• Keloid (n): An overly aggressive growth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound boundary.

Synonyms

• Cicatrix (n, medical term): A technical term for a scar or the scar tissue.
• Fibrous tissue (n): General term for tissue containing strong collagen fibers; scar tissue is a specific type.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To form scar tissue: The process of healing and scar creation.
  • The deep cut will take months to fully form scar tissue.
• Adhesions (n, medical context): A specific type of internal scar tissue that causes organs or tissues to stick together abnormally.

Noun

1. the connective tissue that forms a scar; consists of fibroblasts in new scars and collagen fibers in old scars