tensile

[ ten-suhl, -silor, especially British, -sahyl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to tension:

   tensile strain.

2. capable of being stretched or drawn out; ductile.

tensile

/ ˈtɛnsaɪl; tɛnˈsɪlɪtɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to tension
2. sufficiently ductile to be stretched or drawn out

Derived Forms

• ˈtensilely, adverb
• tensility, noun

Other Words From

• ten·sil·i·ty [ten-, sil, -i-tee], tensile·ness noun
• tensile·ly adverb
• non·tensile adjective
• nonten·sili·ty noun
• un·tensile adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tensile¹

From the New Latin word tēnsilis, dating back to 1620–30. See tense ¹, -ile

Word History and Origins

Origin of tensile¹

C17: from New Latin tensilis, from Latin tendere to stretch

Example Sentences

Others worried about the tensile strength of all that glass.

From MIT Technology Review

A high-tensile copper clasp and heavy-duty buckle keep the dog secure.

From Popular-Science

It knocks the wind out of you even before it makes you think—though it does makes you think, too, especially about the tensile fierceness of refusing victimhood.

From Time

Its average length is about twenty inches, and its tensile strength is superior to that of cotton.

From Project Gutenberg

It lacks the tensile strength and elasticity, and is of higher specific gravity than true silk.

From Project Gutenberg

What is very high tensile strength in boiler iron apt to go with?

From Project Gutenberg

In the first place, it gives the steel a greater tensile strength.

From Project Gutenberg

Nickel is about ten per cent heavier than steel, and has a tensile strength of 90,000 pounds per square inch.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• malleable
• soft