Main Entry: ¹tent

Pronunciation: \ˈtent\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English tente, from Anglo-French, from Latin tenta, feminine of tentus, past participle of tendere to stretch — more at thin

Date: 14th century

1 : a collapsible shelter of fabric (as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping outdoors or as a temporary building
2 : dwelling
3 a : something that resembles a tent or that serves as a shelter; especially : a canopy or enclosure placed over the head and shoulders to retain vapors or oxygen being medically administered b : the web of a tent caterpillar

— tent·less \ˈtent-ləs\ adjective

— tent·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective