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Glite Dictionary
fibrocartilaginous

fibrocartilaginous

9.9
Tissue with many strong bands that gives joints extra strength and cushioning
  • adjective
  • /ˌfaɪbroʊˌkɑːrtɪˈlædʒɪnəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fibrocartilaginoso
  • The fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc lies between the body of one vertebra and another.

Examples

  • In the spinal column, the fibrocartilaginous discs act as cushions between vertebrae.

  • The fibrocartilaginous structure in the knee provides stability and absorbs shock.

  • Doctors recommend exercises that strengthen the fibrocartilaginous tissue around joints.

Synonyms

cartilaginous
vsfibrocartilaginous
  • Specialized
1 7.9

Made of the firm, bendable tissue that supports parts of the body

focuses on that tissue when it includes many fibrous collagen bundles

How Fibrous

fibrous
6 5.7
fibrocartilaginous
  • Specialized
9.9
cartilaginous
  • Specialized
1 7.9

Surface Forms

fibrocartilaginous positive

Morphology

fibrocartilaginous = cartilaginous (semi-transparent) = fibro + cartilagin + fibro + ous

The structure is fibro- + cartilaginous (prefixation) and the meaning is predictable in a medical context, but 'fibro-' is a technical combining form that may be unfamiliar to general learners.

Etymology

Fibrocartilaginous comes from fibro- (from 'fiber', meaning 'thread') and cartilage (a 'firm but flexible' tissue in joints). Think of a flexible cushion with threads running through it — that's what fibrocartilaginous tissue is, so the word means cartilage that contains strong fibers inside.