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

Polanco, who has battled an Achilles tendon issue all season, hasn’t played first base since the season’s opening series. — Will Sammon, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026

These include tenocytes [the primary component of tendons]; the cells that wrap around blood vessels and stabilize the circulatory system; the smooth muscle cells of the colon; and kidney epithelial cells, which filter toxins from the blood. — Ingrid Wickelgren, Quanta Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

Johnson also updated the injury status of starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who suffered a patellar tendon injury last January in a playoff victory over Green Bay. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

It’s been more than a year since Slater tore his patellar tendon during a seemingly routine training camp drill. — Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2026

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