tendril

[ ten-dril ]

noun

, Botany.

1. a threadlike, leafless organ of climbing plants, often growing in spiral form, which attaches itself to or twines round some other body, so as to support the plant.

tendril

/ ˈtɛndrɪl /

noun

1. a specialized threadlike part of a leaf or stem that attaches climbing plants to a support by twining or adhering
2. something resembling a tendril, such as a wisp of hair

tendril

/ tĕn′drəl /

1. A slender, coiling plant part, often a modified leaf or leaf part, that helps support the stem of some climbing angiosperms by clinging to or winding around an object. Peas, squash, and grapes produce tendrils.

Derived Forms

• ˈtendrillar, adjective

Other Words From

• tendril·lar tendril·ous adjective
• tendril·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tendril¹

1530–40; earlier tendrel, variant (perhaps by dissimilation) of Middle English tendren, tendron < Middle French tendron shoot, sprout, cartilage

Word History and Origins

Origin of tendril¹

C16: perhaps from Old French tendron tendril (confused with Old French tendron bud), from Medieval Latin tendō tendon

Example Sentences

In these dark times, it's more important than ever to nurse tendrils of joy.

From Salon

Gently and assuredly we understand the way choices seeded in the past wind their tendrils through the life of generations not yet born.

From Salon

The 2022 study focused directly on Jupiter's cyclones, but Siegelman also saw wispy tendrils, known to researchers as filaments, in the spaces between the gassy vortices.

From Science Daily

But the Laugh Factory incident is but one tendril of Richards’ book, albeit an important one, tying into the dangerous high-wire act of performance in general and stand-up comedy in particular.

From Los Angeles Times

But as weeks passed, about 85 percent of the device’s tendrils slipped out of his brain.

From New York Times