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

Haliburton was sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. — Chantz Martin Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Tatum, a six-time All-Star, is set to play his first full season since tearing his Achilles tendon in May 2025. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Kaufman-Renn will take the roster spot of KU freshman Grant Mordini, who suffered a season-ending patellar tendon injury in practice last month. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026

By contrast, the same injury in an older adult may be affected by reduced balance, lower bone density, tendon degeneration, arthritis, drug side effects or an unrecognized fracture. — Michael Swartzon, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 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