ten´der|er

ten|der¹ «TEHN duhr», adjective, verb, noun.

–adj.

1. not hard or tough; soft: »

The meat is tender. Stones hurt the little child's tender feet.

2. a) not strong and hardy; delicate: »

tender young grass. The leaves in spring are green and tender.

SYNONYM(S): weak. b) soft; subdued: »

a tender blue.

SYNONYM(S): delicate.

3. kind; affectionate; loving: »

The mother spoke tender words to her baby. She sent tender messages to her friends.

SYNONYM(S): compassionate, merciful.

4. not rough or crude; gentle: »

He patted the dog with tender hands. The young plants need tender care.

SYNONYM(S): mild, sympathetic.

5. young; immature: »

Two years old is a tender age.

6. sensitive; painful; sore: »

a tender wound. The elbow joint is a tender spot.

7. a) feeling pain or grief easily: »

She has a tender heart and would never hurt anyone.

b) Figurative. sensitive to insult or injury; ready to take offense: »

a man of tender pride.

8. considerate or careful: »

He handles people in a tender manner.

9. Figurative. requiring careful or tactful handling: »

a tender situation. Automobiles are a tender subject with Dad since he wrecked his.

10. = crank². (Cf. ↑crank)

–v.t. Archaic.

1. to make tender.

2. to weaken.

3. to feel or act tenderly toward.

–v.i.

Obsolete. to become tender.

–n.

Obsolete. care; regard; concern.

╂[Middle English tendre soft, delicate < Old French, earlier tenre < Latin tener]

–ten´der|a|ble, adjective.

–ten´der|ly, adverb.

ten|der² «TEHN duhr», verb, noun.

–v.t.

1. to offer formally: »

to tender one's resignation. He tendered his thanks.

SYNONYM(S): proffer, present. See syn. under offer. (Cf. ↑offer)

2. Law. to offer (as money or goods) in payment of a debt or her obligation.

–n.

1. a formal offer: »

She refused his tender of marriage.

SYNONYM(S): proposal, proffer, overture.

2. the thing offered. Money that must be accepted as payment for a debt is called legal tender.

3. Law. an offer of, as of money or goods, to satisfy a debt or liability.

4. Commerce. a bid to supply or purchase: »

All tenders must be enclosed in sealed envelopes (Cape Times).

╂[< Middle French tendre to offer < Latin tendere extend. See etym. of doublet tend¹. (Cf. ↑tend)]

–ten´der|er, noun.

tend|er³ «TEHN duhr», noun.

1. a person or thing that tends another: »

a machine tender. He did not like his job as baby tender.

2. a) a boat or small ship used for carrying supplies and passengers to and from larger ships. b) a small boat carried on or towed behind a larger boat or a ship for similar use.

3. the small car that carries wood, coal and water, or oil, attached behind a locomotive.

╂[probably < tend² + -er¹]