I. ˈten(t)-shən 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 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.
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
4. : 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
II. transitive verb
( ten·sioned ; ten·sion·ing ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)niŋ)
Date: 1891
: to subject to tension ; especially : to tighten to a desired or appropriate degree
• ten·sion·er -sh(ə-)nər noun