— tensional , adj. — tensionless , adj.
/ten"sheuhn/ , n.
1. the act of stretching or straining.
2. the state of being stretched or strained.
3. mental or emotional strain; intense, suppressed suspense, anxiety, or excitement.
4. a strained relationship between individuals, groups, nations, etc.
5. (not in current use) pressure, esp. of a vapor.
6. Mech.
a. the longitudinal deformation of an elastic body that results in its elongation.
b. the force producing such deformation.
7. Elect. electromotive force; potential.
8. Mach. a device for stretching or pulling something.
9. a device to hold the proper tension on the material being woven in a loom.
v.t.
10. to subject (a cable, belt, tendon, or the like) to tension, esp. for a specific purpose.
[ 1525-35; tension- (s. of tensio ) a stretching. See TENSE 1 , -ION ]