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

For instance, moving faster can increase power and improve tendon health; going slower and heavier builds strength and muscle mass. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 16 Jan. 2025

Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in the team’s Week 7 home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. —Zac Jackson, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025

Earlier this week, after experiencing discomfort from rolling his ankle, MRI results revealed Watson re-ruptured his Achilles tendon. —Zach Powell, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Bryant has been able to step into a bigger role with Indiana, as the Pacers were in search of a new backup center after losing Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman to torn Achilles tendons. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025

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