noun
tendon
TEN-dun/ˈtendən/
A tough band of tissue connecting muscle to bone.
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
Etymology
Latin tendo named the fibrous attachment at the end of a muscle. It was influenced by tendere, “to stretch,” giving the anatomical term an association with stretching.
In context
the main extensor tendon the function is to extend the lower limb
More examples
- She rests her ankle while the injured tendon heals.
- Tendons in your fingers help you grip a pencil.
- The surgeon repairs the torn tendon in his shoulder.
Forms
tendon · tendons
tendinous adjective — Made of or relating to tendons.
Similar words
- sinew
- A less technical term that can also suggest muscular strength.