Category:Tension

Ten"sion, n. Etym: [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.)

Defn: 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)

Defn: 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.)

Defn: 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.