tensile

adjective ten·sile \ˈten(t)-səl also ˈten-ˌsī(-ə)l\

: relating to the amount that something (such as a wire) can stretch or be stretched without breaking

Full Definition of TENSILE

: capable of tension : ductile

: of, relating to, or involving tension <tensile stress>

— ten·sil·i·ty \ten-ˈsi-lə-tē\ noun

See tensile defined for English-language learners

New Latin tensilis, from Latin tensus, past participle

First Known Use: 1626

Next Word in the Dictionary: tensile strengthPrevious Word in the Dictionary: tensibleAll Words Near: tensile

What made you want to look up tensile? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears