Main Entry: ¹ten·sion

Pronunciation: \ˈten(t)-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin tension-, tensio, from tendere

Date: 1533

1 a : the act or action of stretching or the condition or degree of being stretched to stiffness : tautness b : stress 1b
2 a : either of two balancing forces causing or tending to cause extension b : the stress resulting from the elongation of an elastic body
3 a : inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion b : a state of latent hostility or opposition between individuals or groups c : a balance maintained in an artistic work between opposing forces or elements
4 : a device to produce a desired tension (as in a loom)

— ten·sion·al \ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective

— ten·sion·less \ˈten(t)-shən-ləs\ adjective