tensile

adjective

ten·​sile ˈten(t)-səl 

also ˈten-ˌsī(-ə)l

1

: capable of tension : ductile

2

: of, relating to, or involving tension

tensile stress

tensility

ten-ˈsi-lə-tē 

noun

Examples of tensile in a Sentence

the tensile strength of steel cable

Recent Examples on the Web

These blades can withstand the high tensile force that the frame applies to the blade. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, 19 Jan. 2023

The unit itself features a large 42 inch HD touchscreen and a high tensile aluminum frame. — Stefani Sassos, Ms, Rdn, Cso, Cdn, Nasm-Cpt, Good Housekeeping, 24 June 2021

Fullertubes also have a range of optical and tensile properties that the researchers are still exploring. — James R. Riordon, Quanta Magazine, 20 Dec. 2022

There, hostile giant insects swarm about, and hungry, tensile vines are forever threatening to drag outsiders beneath the otherwise barren surface. — Justin Changfilm Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin tensilis, from Latin tendere "to extend outward, stretch" + -tilis "subject to, susceptible to (the action of the verb)" — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tensile

• tensile strength

Rhymes for tensile

• pencil
• stencil
• commensal
• prehensile
• utensil
• intercensal