tenderness

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtɛndənəs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1gentleness and kindness; kindliness: he picked her up in his arms with great tenderness
  • feelings of deep affection: tenderness for the opposite sex
  • 2sensitivity to pain; soreness: abdominal tenderness
  • 3the quality of being easy to cut or chew; succulence: steak braised to perfect tenderness in a red-wine-and-brandy sauce