tenseness

2 definitions found

tenseness - 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]

tenseness - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  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]