TENSE
Tense, n. Etym: [OF. tens, properly, time, F. temps time, tense. See
Temporal of time, and cf. Thing.] (Gram.)
Defn: One of the forms which a verb takes by inflection or by adding auxiliary words, so as to indicate the time of the action or event signified; the modification which verbs undergo for the indication of time.
Note: The primary simple tenses are three: those which express time past, present, and future; but these admit of modifications, which differ in different languages.
TENSE Tense, a. Etym: [L. tensus, p.p. of tendere to stretch. See Tend to move, and cf. Toise.]
Defn: Stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax; as, a
tense fiber.
The temples were sunk, her forehead was tense, and a fatal paleness
was upon her. Goldsmith.
— Tense"ly, adv.
— Tense"ness, n.
TENSIBILITY
Ten`si*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or state of being tensible; tensility.
TENSIBLE
Ten"si*ble, a. Etym: [See Tense, a.]
Defn: Capable of being extended or drawn out; ductile; tensible.
Gold . . . is likewise the most flexible and tensible. Bacon.
TENSILE
Ten"sile, a. Etym: [See Tense, a.]