English Explanatory Dictionary

Achilles tendon

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The strong tendon formed of the united tendons of the large muscles in the calf of the leg, and inserted into the bone of the heel.

Pronunciation

/əˈkɪliːz tɛndən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-Achilles tendon.wav

Word forms

Achilles tendon Achilles tendons Achilles' tendon tendon of Achilles

Etymology

Calque of New Latin tendo Achillis, in reference to the mythological account of Achilles being held by the heel when dipped in the River Styx. Its coinage has been attributed to Dutch anatomist Philip Verheyden in 1693, but the term is first attested in 1684.

Synonyms

calcaneal tendon tendo Achillis tendo calcaneus

Related words

Achilles jerk Achilles reflex

Derived words

Achilles tendon reflex time
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