Sinew: meaning, definitions and examples

💪

Add to dictionary

sinew

[ ˈsɪnjuː ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

anatomy

A piece of tough fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone or bone to bone; a tendon or ligament.

Synonyms

connective tissue, ligament, tendon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sinew	Refers to the tough, fibrous tissue connecting muscles to bones, often used metaphorically to describe strength or resilience. The sinews of the nation kept it united during tough times. Torn sinews require a long period of recovery.
tendon	A specific type of strong, fibrous connective tissue that connects muscles to bones, crucial in facilitating movement. He suffered from tendonitis after repetitive strain. Tendons are critical for muscle movement and control.
ligament	Specifically refers to the fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones, often seen in the context of joints and sports injuries. She tore a ligament in her knee during the soccer match. Ligaments provide stability to the joints.
connective tissue	A more general term for tissues that support, bind, or separate other tissues or organs in the body. Connective tissue includes various types like cartilage, bone, and blood. A disorder affecting connective tissues can impact overall mobility.

Examples of usage

The sinews in his arm strained as he lifted the heavy weight.
She felt a sharp pain in her sinew after running the marathon.
His sinews were strong from years of physical labor.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative

Physical or moral strength; power.

Synonyms

power, strength, vigour.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sinew	Used to describe the tendons or connective tissues in the body, metaphorically it represents strength or resilience. Often used in poetic or literary contexts. The sinews of the body are vital for movement The sinews of society hold it together
strength	Describes the capacity for exertion or endurance, both physically and emotionally. Utilized frequently in many contexts from sports to personal characteristics. His strength was tested during the marathon She showed great strength in dealing with her loss
power	Refers to the ability to control or influence people or events, as well as physical strength or energy. Common in both everyday and technical language. She had the power to change the company's future The weightlifter showed his power during the competition
vigour	Indicates active physical or mental energy and enthusiasm. Often associated with health and youthfulness, and can be found in more formal or sophisticated language. He tackled the project with great vigour The elderly woman still had the vigour of someone half her age

Examples of usage

The sinews of the economy were strained during the recession.
She displayed great sinew in the face of adversity.
His speech was filled with the sinew of passion and conviction.

Translations

Translations of the word "sinew" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tendão

🇮🇳 मज्जा

🇩🇪 Sehne

🇮🇩 urat

🇺🇦 сухожилля

🇵🇱 ścięgno

🇯🇵 腱

🇫🇷 tendon

🇪🇸 tendón

🇹🇷 kiriş

🇰🇷 힘줄

🇸🇦 وتر

🇨🇿 šlacha

🇸🇰 šľacha

🇨🇳 肌腱

🇸🇮 tetiva

🇮🇸 sin

🇰🇿 сіңір

🇬🇪 მყესი

🇦🇿 sinir

🇲🇽 tendón

Etymology

The word 'sinew' originated from Middle English 'sinewe', from Old English 'sinu', meaning tendon or sinew. The term has been used since the 14th century to refer to the tough fibrous tissue in the body, as well as symbolically to represent strength and power.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,872, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24869 deactivation
24870 dowel
24871 cola
24872 sinew
24873 tinker
24874 impounding
24875 preserver
...