tendon

noun

ten·​don ˈten-dən 

: a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part (such as a bone) and transmits the force which the muscle exerts

Examples of tendon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This padding absorbs impact with every step, easing strain on muscles, tendons, and joints. —Cory Smith, Outside Online, 20 Dec. 2024

This protein builds skin, bone, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues and is also crucial for protecting the body’s organs among other biological roles. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 11 Dec. 2024

These tendons play a crucial role in how the system assists you. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024

Rodgers tore an Achilles tendon only four plays into the first game of last season, forcing Wilson back into the starting role. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin tendōn-, tendō, probably derivative of Latin tendere "to extend outward, stretch" after Greek tenont-, ténōn "sinew, tendon," from ten-, variant stem of teínein "to stretch, extend" + -ont-, -ōn, deverbal noun suffix — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

1541, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tendon

• Achilles tendon
• tendon of Achilles

Kids Definition

tendon

noun

ten·​don ˈten-dən 

: a tough cord or band of dense white connective tissue that links a muscle to some other part (as a bone)

Medical Definition

tendon

noun

ten·​don ˈten-dən 

: a tough cord or band of dense white fibrous connective tissue that unites a muscle with some other part, transmits the force which the muscle exerts, and is continuous with the connective-tissue epimysium and perimysium of the muscle and when inserted into a bone with the periosteum of the bone