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noun
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, especially of a vapor.
6.
Mechanics.

the longitudinal deformation of an elastic body that results in its elongation.
the force producing such deformation.

7.
Electricity. electromotive force; potential.
8.
Machinery. a device for stretching or pulling something.
9.
a device to hold the proper tension on the material being woven in a loom.
verb (used with object)
10.
to subject (a cable, belt, tendon, or the like) to tension, especially for a specific purpose.
noun
1.
the act of stretching or the state or degree of being stretched
2.
mental or emotional strain; stress
3.
a situation or condition of hostility, suspense, or uneasiness
4.
(physics) a force that tends to produce an elongation of a body or structure
5.
(physics)

voltage, electromotive force, or potential difference
(in combination): high-tension, low-tension

6.
a device for regulating the tension in a part, string, thread, etc, as in a sewing machine
7.
(knitting) the degree of tightness or looseness with which a person knits

tension ten·sion (těn’shən)
n.
Abbr. T

The act or process of stretching something tight.

The condition of so being stretched.

A force tending to stretch or elongate something.

The partial pressure of a gas, especially dissolved in a liquid such as blood.

Mental, emotional, or nervous strain.

Barely controlled hostility or a strained relationship between people or groups.

tension
(těn’shən)

A force that tends to stretch or elongate something.

An electrical potential (voltage), especially as measured in electrical components such as transformers or power lines involved in the transmission of electrical power.