tenseness

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

tenseness
    n 1: the physical condition of being stretched or strained; "it
         places great tension on the leg muscles"; "he could feel
         the tenseness of her body" [syn: {tension}, {tensity},
         {tenseness}, {tautness}]
    2: (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or
       suspense; "he suffered from fatigue and emotional tension";
       "stress is a vasoconstrictor" [syn: {tension}, {tenseness},
       {stress}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Tense \Tense\, a. [L. tensus, p. p. of tendere to stretch. See
   {Tend} to move, and cf. {Toise}.]
   Stretched tightly; strained to stiffness; rigid; not lax; as,
   a tense fiber.
   [1913 Webster]

         The temples were sunk, her forehead was tense, and a
         fatal paleness was upon her.             --Goldsmith.
   [1913 Webster] -- {Tense"ly}, adv. -- {Tense"ness}, n.
   [1913 Webster]

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