connective tissue: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency in general discourse; moderate-high in medical/biological contexts.Technical/Formal in biological contexts; can be metaphorical in academic/literary writing.
Quick answer
What does “connective tissue” mean?
The biological material that supports, binds together, or separates organs and other structures in the body, consisting of cells and an extracellular matrix.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The biological material that supports, binds together, or separates organs and other structures in the body, consisting of cells and an extracellular matrix.
In abstract or metaphorical use, something that links or binds different elements, systems, or parts of a structure together, providing cohesion and support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use the term identically in technical contexts. Metaphorical use is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. Metaphorical use can carry positive connotations of integration and structural integrity.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical contexts in both regions. Slightly more common in American academic writing for metaphorical extensions.
Grammar
How to Use “connective tissue” in a Sentence
connective tissue + verb (supports, binds, connects, separates)adjective + connective tissue (loose, dense, fibrous, embryonic)connective tissue + preposition + noun (connective tissue of the skin, connective tissue in the body)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “connective tissue” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The surgeon carefully dissected through the layers of connective tissue.
- Certain autoimmune conditions specifically target the body's connective tissue.
- The report lacked the connective tissue needed to link its disparate findings.
American English
- Ligaments are a type of dense, fibrous connective tissue.
- Her research focuses on genetic disorders of connective tissue.
- Trust is the connective tissue of any successful team.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically, to describe systems or personnel that integrate different departments or functions (e.g., 'Middle management serves as the connective tissue of the organization.').
Academic
Technical use in life sciences; metaphorical use in social sciences to describe social bonds, cultural links, or integrative concepts.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing health, biology, or in metaphorical expressions about relationships or structures.
Technical
Precise anatomical/physiological term referring to tissues like areolar, adipose, dense irregular, etc., with specific cellular (fibroblasts) and matrix (collagen, elastin) components.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “connective tissue”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “connective tissue”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “connective tissue”
- Misspelling as 'conective tissue' (single 'n').
- Using as a countable noun in singular for the general concept (e.g., 'a connective tissue' is odd; better: 'connective tissue' or 'connective tissues').
- Confusing with 'epithelial tissue' in basic biology.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are distinct types of biological tissue. Connective tissue (e.g., tendon, fat, bone) supports and connects. Muscle tissue (e.g., skeletal, cardiac) contracts to produce movement.
Yes, it is commonly used as a metaphor in social sciences, business, and literature to describe elements that link or unify different parts of a system, idea, or organization.
Loose (areolar) connective tissue is the most widespread. It acts as a packing material, surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and organs.
It can be used both as an uncountable noun for the general material ('damage to the connective tissue') and as a countable noun when referring to specific types or instances ('different connective tissues have different functions').
The biological material that supports, binds together, or separates organs and other structures in the body, consisting of cells and an extracellular matrix.
Connective tissue is usually technical/formal in biological contexts; can be metaphorical in academic/literary writing. in register.
Connective tissue: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌnɛktɪv ˈtɪʃuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌnɛktɪv ˈtɪʃuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the connective tissue of society”
- “acts as a connective tissue between departments”
- “the connective tissue holding the argument together”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONNECTive' tissue - it CONNECTs and supports different parts of the body, just like connective words (conjunctions) link ideas in a sentence.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE IS A BODY (where connective tissue represents the integrating, supportive elements).
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense in business, 'connective tissue' most likely refers to: