Definition of "gristle" in English

noun

1. Cartilage; now especially: cartilage present, as a tough substance, in meat.

2. (figuratively, from obsolete scientific theory) Bone not yet hardened by age and hard work.

   • 1885, Ada Sarah Ballin, The Science of Dress in Theory and Practice, It. must be borne in mind that the bones of a young infant are little more than gristle, and are liable to bend, and so become deformed.