Main Entry: ten·sion

Pronunciation: \ˈten-chən\

Function: noun

1 a : the act or action of stretching or the condition or degree of being stretched to stiffness <muscular tension> 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 : inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion
4 : partial pressure

—ten·sion·al \ˈtench-nəl, -ən-^əl\ adjective

—ten·sion·less \ˈten-chən-ləs\ adjective