I. ˈtendrəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: perhaps modification of Middle French tendron tendril, alteration (influenced by tendron tender bud, cartilage) of tendon tendon, tendril, from Medieval Latin tendon-, tendo tendon
1. : a portion or the whole of a leaf, stipule, or stem that is modified into a slender spirally coiling sensitive organ serving to attach a plant (as a peavine or grapevine) to its support and to assist it in climbing
2.
a. : something resembling a tendril
her hair hung in loose, vivid tendrils around her face — Laura Krey
tendrils of mist were curling over the edges of the meadow — P.A.Brodeur
b. : something that clings like a tendril
was aware of each tendril of her being seeking some substance to which it might cling — Helen Howe
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II. adjective
1. : of, relating to, or like a tendril
2. : tendriled