tensioning
Pulling something taut
Tensioning is the act of applying or adjusting tension—the pulling force that stretches or tightens something.
The term appears most often in technical contexts: tensioning a cable, belt, or wire to achieve proper tautness, or tensioning bolts to precise specifications.
The mechanic checked the tensioning of the timing belt.
In crafts like weaving or embroidery, proper tensioning of thread ensures even, consistent work.
Making less loose
- torquingApplying rotational force
- clampingFixing firmly with pressure
- fasteningJoining two parts together
- boltingDeparting at speed
ratcheting · cinching · securing · lashing · anchoring · binding · bracing · adjusting
Increase in length
- deformationChange in shape
- strainExcessive stretching force
- elasticityTendency to resume original form
- ductilityAbility to stretch unbroken
creep · yielding · stress-strain · load · force · stretch · fatigue · fracture
Preapplied structural tension
- cablesHeavy ropes or wires
- tendonsFibrous connective cords
- anchorageSecure harbor spot
- jackingLifting with a lever
ducts · girder · truss · reinforcement · bonded · unbonded · hydraulic · concrete
Persistent apprehensive distress
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- pressureForce upon contact
- nervousnessState of anxious unease
- tightnessState of being constricted
unease · apprehension · strain · worry · agitation · edginess · restlessness · friction
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- buildupGradual accumulation over time
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
foreboding · intrigue · dread · expectation · climax · twist · edge-of-seat · dramatic
tightening
Making less loose
- torquingApplying rotational force
- clampingFixing firmly with pressure
- fasteningJoining two parts together
bolting · ratcheting · cinching · securing · lashing · anchoring · binding · bracing · adjusting · tautening
elongation
Increase in length
- deformationChange in shape
- strainExcessive stretching force
- elasticityTendency to resume original form
ductility · creep · yielding · stress-strain · load · force · stretch · fatigue · fracture · necking
prestress
Preapplied structural tension
jacking · ducts · girder · truss · reinforcement · bonded · unbonded · hydraulic · concrete · erection
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- pressureForce upon contact
- nervousnessState of anxious unease
tightness · unease · apprehension · strain · worry · agitation · edginess · restlessness · friction · discord
suspense
Anxious uncertainty about outcomes
- anticipationState of awaiting something
- buildupGradual accumulation over time
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
uncertainty · foreboding · intrigue · dread · expectation · climax · twist · edge-of-seat · dramatic · pacing
- tighteningtensing, clamping, cinching, grip, ratcheting
- tool caresharpening, oiling, cleaning, lubrication, rust prevention
- reinforcingreinforcing, strengthening, supporting, bolstering, shoring
- mechanical adjustmentsalignment, calibration, tuning, tightening, loosening
- prestressed concreteprestressing, tendons, strands, anchorage, stressing
- weaving termswarp, weft, shuttle, reed, beater