English Dictionary

Definition of “sinew

sinew (ˈsɪnjuːPronunciation for sinew

Definitions

noun

  1. anatomy another name for tendon
  2. (often plural)
    1. a source of strength or power
    2. a literary word for muscle

Alternative Forms

ˈsinewless adjective

Word Origin

Old English sionu;  related to Old Norse sin,  Old Saxon sinewa,  Old High German senawa  sinew, Lettish pasainis string

Usage examples

  • His skin was hanging loosely at his wrist, as though the sinew had withered.
    Clive Barker, EVERVILLE (2001)
  • The result is something that, to use Axel's words, is "bared of inessentials, all gleaming bone and sinew , smooth as candle wax.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • It's marvellous stuff, strong on melodies, and equally strong on improvising nous and rhythmic sinew.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • His wife's every sinew was bent towards letting him know there never could be any rival.
    Friday, Nancy, Jealousy (1986)

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