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 1b2 a: either of two balancing forces causing or tending to cause extension b: the stress resulting from the elongation of an elastic body3 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 elements4: 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