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

Tatum was 5 of 9 on 3-pointers in just his 19th game this season following surgery last May to repair his Achilles tendon. —CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

Starting second baseman Willi Castro departed after three innings because of pain in the patella tendon in his right knee. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026

With Freeling now in the mix and Ekwonu coming off patellar tendon surgery, the Panthers could have the rookie compete with free-agent addition Rasheed Walker at the left tackle position. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026

Entering the fray for the first time since rupturing his Achilles tendon last summer, center back and captain Aaron Long replaced Nkosi Tafari, who started and played through the final whistle in each of the club’s previous 14 matches, playing 45 minutes. —Josh Gross, Daily News, 23 Apr. 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