tender (adj.)

1.(of plants) not hardy; easily killed by adverse growing condition"tender green shoots"

2.having or displaying warmth or affection"affectionate children" "caring parents" "a fond embrace" "fond of his nephew" "a tender glance" "a warm embrace"

3.susceptible to physical or emotional injury"at a tender age"

4.hurting"the tender spot on his jaw"

5.(used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail

6.easy to cut or chew"tender beef"

7.physically untoughened"tender feet"

8.given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality"a tender heart" "a tender smile" "tender loving care" "tender memories" "a tender mother"

tender (n.)

1.ship that usually provides supplies to other ships

2.a boat for communication between ship and shore

3.car attached to a locomotive to carry fuel and water

4.a formal proposal to buy at a specified price

5.someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another

6.something used as an official medium of payment

tender (v.)

1.make tender or more tender as by marinating, pounding, or applying a tenderizer"tenderize meat"

2.make a tender of; in legal settlements

3.offer or present for acceptance

4.propose a payment"The Swiss dealer offered $2 million for the painting"