n. In phytogeography, same as tension-line.n. The act of stretching, straining, or making tense; the state of being stretched or strained to stiffness; the condition of being bent or strained.n. In mech., stress, or the force by which a bar, rod, string, or the like is pulled when forming part of any system in equilibrium or in motion.n. In physics. a constrained condition of the particles of bodies, arising from the action of antagonistic forces, in which they tend to return to their former condition; elastic force.n. In statical elect., the mechanical stress across a dielectric, due to accumulated charges, as in a condenser; hence, the same as surface-density (the amount of electricity at any point of the surface of a charged conductor); more commonly used, in dynamical electricity, to mean about the same as difference of potential: thus, a current of high tension is popularly a current of high electromotive force.n. Mental strain, stretch, or application; strong or severe intellectual effort; strong excitement of feeling; great activity or strain of the emotions or the will.n. A strained state of any kind: as, political tension; social tension.n. An attachment to a sewing-machine for regulating the strain of the thread.To make tense; give the right degree of tension to; draw out; strain.