[ ten´der-nes] a state of unusual sensitivity to touch or pressure. rebound tenderness 1. a state in which pain is felt on the release of pressure over a part. 2. specifically, such a sensation in the abdomen, considered a sign of peritonitis.

In medicine, tenderness is pain or discomfort when an affected area is touched. It should not be confused with the pain that a patient perceives without touching. Pain is patient's perception, while tenderness is a sign that a clinician elicits.

Bone pain or tenderness is aching or other discomfort in one or more bones.