tender1
adj.
(tenderer, tenderest)
- gentle and sympathetic.
▸
(tender of)
archaic solicitous of.
- (of food) easy to cut or chew.
- (of a part of the body) sensitive.
- young and vulnerable:
the tender age of five.
- requiring tact or careful handling.
- Nautical (of a ship) inclined to roll in response to the wind.
Phrase
- tender mercies
ironic attention or treatment not in the best interests of its recipients.
Derivative
- tenderly adv.
- tenderness n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. tendre, from L. tener ‘tender, delicate’.
tender2
v.
- offer or present formally.
▸
(often tender for)
make a formal written offer to carry out work, supply goods, etc. for a stated fixed price.
- offer as payment.
n.
a tendered offer.
Phrase
- put something out to tender
seek tenders to carry out work, supply goods, etc.
Derivative
Etymology
C16: from OFr. tendre, from L. tendere (see tend1).
tender3
n.
- a vehicle used by a fire service or the armed forces for carrying supplies or fulfilling a specified role.
- a boat used to ferry people and supplies to and from a ship.
- a truck closely coupled to a steam locomotive to carry fuel and water.
- a person who tends a machine, place, or other people.
Etymology
ME (in the sense ‘attendant, nurse’): from tend2 or shortening of attender (see attend).