n.
Pronunciation: ' ten(t)-sh ə n
Function: 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 \ ' ten(t)-sh( ə -)n ə l \ adjective
– ten · sion · less \ ' ten(t)-sh ə n-l ə s \ adjective