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

By combining a flexible backbone with tendon-like cables, the system can move with precision. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025

In 2023, a torn Achilles tendon limited him to just five games. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025

Strong muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the knee help reduce strain on the joint and improve overall stability. —Jakob Roze, Health, 2 Sep. 2025

All-Star guard Dejounte Murray is still on the mend from an Achilles tendon tear, All-Defensive wing Herbert Jones is recovering from a shoulder surgery, and swingman Trey Murphy III is also recuperating from a shoulder surgery of his own. —Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Aug. 2025

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