tens

1 of 2

plural of ten

TENS

2 of 2

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

Noun

Individuals who are simultaneously using another electrical or electronic device, such as a TENS unit, muscle stimulator, mobile phone or other portable electronic device. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

Also consider topical anesthetics and analgesic patches, or mild transcutaneous neurostimulation such as the TENS device, which applies a low-voltage current to the skin. — Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

Procedures and devices can also be used to manage pain such as steroid injections, nerve blocks, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and surgery. — Lipi Roy, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Electrical Stimulation Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is a non-surgical treatment commonly used to treat incontinence. — Jamin Brahmbhatt, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024

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

Noun

1980, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tens

• bens
• cleanse
• dens
• gens
• glens
• hens
• jens
• pens
• wrens
• zens
• cheyennes
• parens

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