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

Greenlaw’s had major injuries in the past, including a torn Achilles tendon during the Super Bowl in February 2024 that, combined with a calf strain, cost him all but two games of the 2024 regular season. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 10 May 2025

The team said no permanent damage was done to the bone or tendon and medical experts are optimistic that the giraffe will fully recover. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 6 May 2025

Casas suffered the injury while running the bases in Friday’s 6-1 win over the Twins, rupturing his tendon while trying to beat out a throw at first base in the bottom of the second inning. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 4 May 2025

There are various types of collagen, depending on the protein shape and location in your body: Type 1 is the most common collagen, which is present in your teeth, bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin. —Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 2 May 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