Main Entry: ¹sin·ew

Pronunciation: \ˈsin-(ˌ)yü also ˈsi-(ˌ)nü\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English sinewe, from Old English seono; akin to Old High German senawa sinew, Sanskrit syati he binds

Date: before 12th century

1 : tendon; especially : one dressed for use as a cord or thread
2 obsolete : nerve
3 a : solid resilient strength : power <astonishing intellectual sinew and clarity — Reynolds Price> b : the chief supporting force : mainstay —usually used in plural <providing the sinews of better living — Samuel Pollock>