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

Judge didn't express concern about trying for a quick return from an injury to his soleus muscle, which is part of the Achilles tendon. — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

In October 2024, Simmons suffered a season-ending patellar tendon injury at Ohio State. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Both are part of the same kinetic chain as the Achilles tendon, and the soleus muscle is more crucial to running and hitting. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 Sep. 2026

In the center of my hand, the tendons have grown together and are pulling my finger down. — Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 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