taut /tɔːt $ tɒːt/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1200-1300 ; Origin: Perhaps from tough ]
1 . stretched tight OPP slack :
The rope was stretched taut.
2 . showing signs of worry, anger etc and not relaxed SYN tense :
a taut smile
Catherine looked upset, her face taut.
3 . having firm muscles:
her taut brown body
4 . a taut book, film, or play is exciting and does not have any unnecessary parts:
a taut thriller