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

In each leg, these muscles combine into a single Achilles tendon that is attached to the heel. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

The Pacers guard was the third player to suffer the devastating injury, with Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard also dealing with torn Achilles tendons during the playoffs. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025

Calf strains can be a precursor to an Achilles tendon injury. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2025

Meanwhile, a sudden, sharp pain may be a sign of tendon or muscle strain, an injury that occurs when the tissue is overstretched or torn. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 23 June 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