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

The orthopedic surgeon feels surgery to repair the tendon is the only option. —Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2026

The key part of the limb researchers looked at was the calcadium, or the heel bone, which allows modern kangaroos to travel far distances while grazing through the elastic energy stored and released in the Achilles tendon, Jones said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2026

If left untreated, frostbite can damage tendons, muscles, nerves and bone. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Jan. 2026

Among other things, ultrasound can be used to identify issues affecting muscles, joints, and tendons. —Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 22 Jan. 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