rhizoverbBeta
DictionarytensileStretching under tension
adjective

tensile

TEN-sul/ˈtensl/

Relating to stretching or resistance to pulling forces.

The machine applies tensile force by pulling the metal sample lengthwise.

A materials testing machine pulling a narrow metal sample lengthwise between two opposing grips, realistic engineering tensile test, no readouts or labels.
Etymology
tensLatinto stretch
+ileLatincapable of

Originally meaning 'capable of being stretched,' tensile came to mean 'pertaining to tension.' In tensile strength, the stretching connection concerns how strongly a material resists being pulled apart.

In context

James Sword Engineering 4:33
cast iron cannot be bent stretched or hammered into the required shapes it has weak tensile strength therefore it undergo fracture before it deforms
Difference Between Pig iron, Wrought iron, Cast Iron, And Steel - An Overview.

More examples

  • Pulling on both ends creates tensile stress in the rod.
  • Tensile testing shows how much pulling force the fabric can withstand.
  • The new wire has greater tensile strength than the old wire.

Forms

tensile