Category:Intension

In*ten"sion, n. Etym: [L. intensio: cf. F. intension. See Intend, and cf. Intention.]

1. A straining, stretching, or bending; the state of being strained; as, the intension of a musical string.

2. Increase of power or energy of any quality or thing; intenseness; fervency. Jer. Taylor. Sounds. . . likewise do rise and fall with the intension or remission of the wind. Bacon.

3. (Logic & Metaph.)

Defn: The collective attributes, qualities, or marks that make up a complex general notion; the comprehension, content, or connotation; - - opposed to extension, extent, or sphere. This law is, that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension. Sir W. Hamilton.