Tension word meaning and definition

[noun] the action of stretching something tight; "tension holds the belt in the pulleys"
[noun] (physics) a stress that produces an elongation of an elastic physical body; "the direction of maximum tension moves asymptotically toward the direction of the shear"
[noun] feelings of hostility that are not manifest; "he could sense her latent hostility to him"; "the diplomats' first concern was to reduce international tensions"
[noun] a balance between and interplay of opposing elements or tendencies (especially in art or literature); "there is a tension created between narrative time and movie time"; "there is a tension between these approaches to understanding history"
[noun] (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense; "he suffered from fatigue and emotional tension"; "stress is a vasoconstrictor"
[noun] the physical condition of being stretched or strained; "it places great tension on the leg muscles"; "he could feel the tenseness of her body"

\Ten"sion\, n. [L. tensio, from tendere, tensum, to stretch: cf. F. tension. See {Tense}, a.] 1. The act of stretching or straining; the state of being stretched or strained to stiffness; the state of being bent strained; as, the tension of the muscles, tension of the larynx. 2. Fig.: Extreme strain of mind or excitement of feeling; intense effort. 3. The degree of stretching to which a wire, cord, piece of timber, or the like, is strained by drawing it in the direction of its length; strain. --Gwilt. 4. (Mech.) The force by which a part is pulled when forming part of any system in equilibrium or in motion; as, the tension of a srting supporting a weight equals that weight. 5. A device for checking the delivery of the thread in a sewing machine, so as to give the stitch the required degree of tightness. 6. (Physics) Expansive force; the force with which the particles of a body, as a gas, tend to recede from each other and occupy a larger space; elastic force; elasticity; as, the tension of vapor; the tension of air. 7. (Elec.) The quality in consequence of which an electric charge tends to discharge itself, as into the air by a spark, or to pass from a body of greater to one of less electrical potential. It varies as the quantity of electricity upon a given area. {Tension brace}, or {Tension member} (Engin.), a brace or member designed to resist tension, or subjected to tension, in a structure. {Tension rod} (Engin.), an iron rod used as a tension member to strengthen timber or metal framework, roofs, or the like.

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