First Known Use: 1626
Dictionary
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
2
: of, relating to, or involving tension <tensile stress>
— ten·sil·i·ty \ten-ˈsi-lə-tē\ noun
See tensile defined for English-language learners
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of TENSILE
New Latin tensilis, from Latin tensus, past participle
Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms
Learn More About TENSILE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: tensile strengthPrevious Word in the Dictionary: tensibleAll Words Near: tensile
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up tensile? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).