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 thread2obsolete : nerve3 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>