Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large tendon that runs from the heel to the calf: The Achilles tendon is the strong, fibrous cord that connects the calf muscles (the gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (the calcaneus). It is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body and is vital for walking, running, and jumping.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A rupture of the Achilles tendon is a serious injury for an athlete.
  • He felt a sharp pain in his Achilles tendon during the marathon.
  • Stretching exercises can help prevent Achilles tendon injuries.

Advanced Usage

• "Achilles tendon reflex": A reflex test where a doctor taps the tendon to check the nervous system's response.

  • The doctor tested his Achilles tendon reflex during the neurological exam.

• "Achilles tendonitis/tendinopathy": Medical terms for inflammation or degeneration of the tendon.

  • The runner was diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis and advised to rest.

Variants and Related Words

• Tendo calcaneus: The formal anatomical term for the Achilles tendon.
• Achilles heel (idiom): A metaphor for a person's critical weakness or vulnerable spot, derived from the myth of Achilles. (Note: This is a related idiom, not a variant of the tendon itself).

Synonyms

• Calcaneal tendon: A synonym used in medical contexts.
• Heel cord: A less formal, descriptive term.

Related Phrases

(This term does not commonly form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• Achilles heel: A point of weakness that could lead to downfall.
  • Overconfidence was his Achilles heel in the competition.

Noun

1. a large tendon that runs from the heel to the calf