%tension%

n. The condition of being of equal in intensity; -- applied to relations; as, 3:6 and 6:12 are relations of cointension. [ 1913 Webster ]

Cointension . . . is chosen indicate the equality of relations in respect of the contrast between their terms. H. Spencer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Same as Distention. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. extensio: cf. F. extension. See Extend, v. t. ] 1. The act of extending or the state of being extended; a stretching out; enlargement in breadth or continuation of length; increase; augmentation; expansion. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Physics) That property of a body by which it occupies a portion of space. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Logic & Metaph.) (a) Capacity of a concept or general term to include a greater or smaller number of objects; -- correlative of intension. (b) the class or set of objects to which a term refers; -- contrasted with intension, the logical specification which defines members of a class, being the set of attributes which are necessary and sufficient to recognize an object as a member of the class. [ 1913 Webster ]

The law is that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

The extension of [ the term ] plant is greater than that of geranium, because it includes more objects. Abp. Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Surg.) The operation of stretching a broken bone so as to bring the fragments into the same straight line. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Physiol.) The straightening of a limb, in distinction from flexion. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Com.) A written engagement on the part of a creditor, allowing a debtor further time to pay a debt. [ 1913 Webster ]

Counter extension. (Surg.) See under Counter. --
Extension table, a table so constructed as to be readily extended or contracted in length. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having great extent. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who favors or advocates extension. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. abnormally high blood pressure; especially, the chronic condition associated with persistent high blood pressure. [ PJC ]

n. Lack of extension; unextended state. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. intensio: cf. F. intension. See Intend, and cf. Intention. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A straining, stretching, or bending; the state of being strained; as, the intension of a musical string. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Increase of power or energy of any quality or thing; intenseness; fervency. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

Sounds . . . likewise do rise and fall with the intension or remission of the wind. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Logic & Metaph.) The collective attributes, qualities, or marks that make up a complex general notion; the comprehension, content, or connotation; -- opposed to extension, extent, or sphere. [ 1913 Webster ]

This law is, that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. (Elecricity) subjected to or capable of operating under relative low voltage. Contrasted with high-tension.
Syn. -- low-voltage. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ L. obtentio. See Obtend. ] The act of obtending. [ Obs. ] Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ostensio a showing: cf. F. ostension. See Ostend. ] (Eccl.) The showing of the sacrament on the altar in order that it may receive the adoration of the communicants. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The act of foreshowing; foreboding. [ R. ] Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. prétention. See Pretend, Tension. ] 1. The act of pretending, or laying claim; the act of asserting right or title. [ 1913 Webster ]

The arrogant pretensions of Glengarry contributed to protract the discussion. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A claim made, whether true or false; a right alleged or assumed; a holding out the appearance of possessing a certain character; as, pretensions to scholarship. [ 1913 Webster ]

This was but an invention and pretension given out by the Spaniards. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Men indulge those opinions and practices that favor their pretensions. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. protensio. ] A drawing out; extension. [ R. ] Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

. (Physics) That property, due to molecular forces, which exists in the surface film of all liquids and tends to bring the contained volume into a form having the least superficial area. The thickness of this film, amounting to less than a thousandth of a millimeter, is considered to equal the radius of the sphere of molecular action, that is, the greatest distance at which there is cohesion between two particles. Particles lying below this film, being equally acted on from all sides, are in equilibrium as to forces of cohesion, but those in the film are on the whole attracted inward, and tension results. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: Extreme strain of mind or excitement of feeling; intense effort. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Extended or drawn out; subjected to tension. “A highly tensioned string.” Tyndall. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Thermo- + tension. ] A process of increasing the strength of wrought iron by heating it to a determinate temperature, and giving to it, while in that state, a mechanical strain or tension in the direction in which the strength is afterward to be exerted. [ 1913 Webster ]

. The extension of the advantages of university{ 3 } instruction by means of lectures and classes at various centers. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]