# tendon

/ˈtɛndən/ (US) · /tˈɛndən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tendon
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. body tissue

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a tough, strong band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone and helps you move.

For teachers: a band of dense, fibrous collagen tissue that connects muscle to bone and transmits the mechanical force of muscle contraction.

- The athlete had to stop training after he injured a tendon in his heel.
- The surgeon explained that the Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest in the human body, essential for running and jumping.

### 2. engineering/construction

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a steel wire or bar used to make concrete stronger.

For teachers: a high-strength steel element, such as a wire, cable, or bar, used to impart prestress to concrete structures.

- Engineers used steel tendons to strengthen the bridge's concrete beams.
- The structural integrity of the post-tensioned slab relies on the precise tensioning of the internal steel tendons after the concrete has cured.

## Examples

- The athlete rested to heal a sore tendon in his ankle.
- The surgeon repaired the torn tendon to restore full movement to the patient's thumb.
- Chronic overuse can lead to microscopic tears in the tendon, a condition often requiring physical therapy to stimulate collagen production and structural repair.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.