sinew
UK: ˈsɪnjuː | US: ˈsɪnjuː
n. 1. A tendon or ligament, especially one connecting muscle to bone.
n. 2. Strength or vigor; the source of power or resilience (archaic/figurative).
The word "sinew" traces back to Old English sinu, meaning "tendon" or "muscle," derived from Proto-Germanic senawō. It shares roots with Old Norse sin and Dutch zenuw. Unlike many modern English words, "sinew" retains its compact Germanic structure without clear prefix/root/suffix divisions. Historically, it symbolized physical strength (e.g., "the sinews of war" referred to military resources), reflecting its literal and metaphorical ties to bodily power.
The hunter carefully removed the sinews from the deer’s legs to use as binding material.
Regular exercise strengthens the sinews and improves flexibility.
In medieval times, armies relied on the sinews of their soldiers to win battles.
The old rope was frayed, but its sinews still held firm.
His speech lacked the sinew needed to inspire the crowd.