ten·sion
ˈten(t)-shən
1
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
2
a
: the act or action of stretching or the condition or degree of being stretched to stiffness : tautness
b
3
a
: either of two balancing forces causing or tending to cause extension
b
: the stress resulting from the elongation of an elastic body
4
: a device to produce a desired tension (as in a loom)
tensioned; tensioning
ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)niŋ
: to subject to tension
especially
: to tighten to a desired or appropriate degree
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share