[syn: tension, tenseness, stress]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Tense \Tense\, a. [L. tensus, p. p. of tendere to stretch. See
Tend to move, and cf. Toise.]
Stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax; as,
a tense fiber.
[1913 Webster]
The temples were sunk, her forehead was tense, and a
fatal paleness was upon her. --Goldsmith.
[1913 Webster] -- Tense"ly, adv. -- Tense"ness, n.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
tenseness
n 1: the physical condition of being stretched or strained; "it
places great tension on the leg muscles"; "he could feel
the tenseness of her body" [syn: tension, tensity,
tenseness, tautness]
2: (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or
suspense; "he suffered from fatigue and emotional tension";
"stress is a vasoconstrictor" [syn: tension, tenseness,
stress]