tendon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical, Medical, General
Quick answer
What does “tendon” mean?
A flexible, strong band or cord of fibrous tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A flexible, strong band or cord of fibrous tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.
In material science or computing, the term can be used metaphorically to refer to a connecting element or structure that transmits force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
None beyond the anatomical.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US medical, sports, and general contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tendon” in a Sentence
The tendon connects the [MUSCLE] to the [BONE].He suffered a torn tendon in his [BODY PART].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tendon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The tendon repair was successful.
- Tendon inflammation can be painful.
American English
- He underwent tendon surgery.
- Tendon strength is crucial for athletes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Common in biology, anatomy, physiology, and sports science papers.
Everyday
Common in contexts discussing injuries, sports, or fitness.
Technical
Core term in medicine, orthopedics, physiotherapy, and biomechanics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tendon”
- Pronouncing it /ˈtiːn.dən/ (like 'teen'), misspelling as 'tendon' with an extra 'd' (tenddon).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A tendon connects muscle to bone, while a ligament connects bone to bone.
Yes, 'Achilles' is capitalized as it's a specific, named tendon derived from Greek mythology.
Minor strains can, but severe tears or ruptures often require medical intervention like physiotherapy or surgery.
Rarely. It's almost exclusively an anatomical term, though it can be used metaphorically in engineering or computing.
A flexible, strong band or cord of fibrous tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.
Tendon is usually technical, medical, general in register.
Tendon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛn.dən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛn.dən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's all skin and bone (and tendon).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TENDON TENDS to CONNECT muscles and bones. Think: 'The END of the muscle TENDS ON the bone.'
Conceptual Metaphor
The body's cables or ropes; the 'guy-wires' of the musculoskeletal system.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a tendon?