sinew
UK[ˈsɪn.juː]US[ˈsɪn.juː]
n
a tendon, a strong cord of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.
n
strength, power, or resilience, especially of a literary or figurative kind.
Etymology
the word "sinew" descends directly from the old english "seonu" or "sinu," meaning tendon. this old english term has cognates in other germanic languages, such as old high german "senawa" and old norse "sin," all pointing to a common proto-germanic ancestor. while its ultimate pre-germanic origin is uncertain, it is a foundational term for physical structure. the semantic extension from a literal tendon to a metaphorical source of strength and vigor reflects the ancient understanding of tendons as the literal bonds that provide the body with power and framework, a concept that seamlessly transferred to abstract domains.
Analysis
the word is a simplex unit from old english. it is not productively formed from smaller morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
he strained a sinew in his leg during the marathon.
the sinews of his argument were logical and compelling.
good nutrition is the sinew of a healthy body.