TENS

noun

ˈtenz 

1

[transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation] : electrical stimulation of the skin to relieve pain by interfering with the neural transmission of signals from underlying pain receptors

2

[transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator] : a device used for TENS

Examples of TENS in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive therapy that uses low-level electrical currents to alleviate pain. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

TENS

abbreviation or noun

ˈtenz 

1

: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

For TENS, electrodes that send out tiny electric impulses are placed on the skin.

—Dana Sullivan, Women's Sports & Fitness

2

: a device used for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation : transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator

The TENS runs on batteries and is the size of a beeper. It has small cables with pads on the end that deliver small electrical shocks to the area in pain.

—Harry Wessel, The Chicago Tribune