| a tissue, usually of mesoblastic origin, that connects, supports, or surrounds other tissues, organs, etc. |

| connective tissue n. Tissue arising chiefly from the embryonic mesoderm that is characterized by a highly vascular matrix and includes collagenous, elastic, and reticular fibers, adipose tissue, cartilage, and bone. It forms the supporting and connecting structures of the body. |
connective tissue con·nec·tive tissue (kə-něk'tĭv)
n.
The supporting or framework tissue of the body, arising chiefly from the embryonic mesoderm and including collagenous, elastic and reticular fibers, adipose tissue, cartilage, and bone. Also called interstitial tissue.