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TENS

noun \ ˈtenz \

Definition of TENS

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

First Known Use of tens

1980

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Medical Dictionary

TENS

abbreviation or noun \ ˈtenz \

medical Definition of TENS

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,  July/August 1999
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,  8 Jan. 1997

Learn More about tens

  1. Nglish: Translation of TENS for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of TENS for Arabic speakers

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