\Car`ti*lag"i*nous\, a. [L. cartilaginosus: cf. F.
cartilagineux.]
1. Of or pertaining to cartilage; gristly; firm and tough
   like cartilage.

2. (Zo["o]l.) Having the skeleton in the state of cartilage,
   the bones containing little or no calcareous matter; said
   of certain fishes, as the sturgeon and the sharks.