(anc. geogr.), an island on the coast of Troas, at the distance of 40 stadia from the continent, and 80 in compass; with a cognominal Aeolian town, and a temple of Apollo Smithius. Its origin is derived from Tennes or Tences, who being exposed in a coffin or barge by his father Cygnus the Thracian, at the instigation of the mother-in-law, was by fate carried to this island, made king of it, and at length worshipped as a god on account of his virtues. The island was famous for its earthen ware, for which purpose it had an excellent red clay; and hence Bochart would derive the appellation from tineolum, a "red clay." Tenedia securis, is a proverbial saying to denote severity; from a law there passed, that persons found in the act of adultery should be put to death; a severity executed on the king's son; and therefore, in the coins of Tenedos, on one are two heads in memorial of the king and his son, and on the reverse an axe, (Aristotle). This island still retains its ancient name; and is one of the smallest islands of the Archipelago, situated near the coast of Lesser Asia, west of the ruins of Troy. It is chiefly rocky, but fertile, being remarkable for producing the best Miletine wine in the Levant; and its position, thus near the mouth of the Hellespont, has given it importance in all ages; vessels bound toward Constantinople finding shelter in its port, or safe anchorage in the road, during the Etesian or contrary winds, and in foul weather. The emperor Justinian erected a magazine to receive the cargoes of the corn-ships from Alexandria, when detained there. This was a lofty building, two hundred and eighty feet long and ninety broad. The voyage from Egypt was rendered less precarious, and the grain preserved until it could be transported to the capital. Afterwards, during the troubles of the Greek empire, Tenedos experienced a variety of fortune. The pirates, who infested these seas, made it for many years their place of rendezvous; and Othman seized it in 1302, procured vessels, and thence subdued the other islands of the Archipelago. It has continued in the possession of the Turks ever since. Teneriff, and on the eastern side is a pretty large town, seated at the foot of a mountain, with a fine harbour commanded by a castle. E. Long. 27° O. N. Lat. 29° 30'.