tension
1. ten.sion \'ten-ch*n\ \'tench-n*l, -*n-*l\ n [MF or L; MF, fr. L
tension-, tensio, fr. tensus, pp.] often attrib 1a: the act or action of
stretching or the condition or degree of being str etched to stiffness :
TAUTNESS 1b: STRESS 2a: either of two balancing forces causing or tending
to cause extension 2b: the stress resulting from the elongation of an
elastic body archaic 2c: PRESSURE 3a: a state of psychic unrest often
with signs of physiological stress 3b: a state of latent hostility or
opposition between individuals or groups 3c: a balance maintained in an
artistic work between opposing forces or ele ments 4: POTENTIAL 5: a
device to produce a desired tension (as in a loom) - ten.sion.al aj
2. tension \'tench-(*-)nin\ vt or ten.sion.ing : to subject to tension