ten
sile
1
relating to, caused by, or capable of producing tension
- The bridge's cables were designed to withstand extreme tensile forces.
- The beam failed under excessive tensile stress.
- Engineers analyzed the tensile distribution across the suspension bridge.
- Tensile testing measures how materials respond to stretching.
- The structure was reinforced to resist tensile loads from wind and weight.
2
capable of being stretched or drawn out without breaking
- The silk thread is highly tensile, allowing it to stretch without snapping.
- The rubber tubing's tensile quality makes it ideal for flexible applications.
- Spider silk is remarkably tensile despite its light weight.
- The bridge uses tensile wires to support the deck.
- The newly developed alloy is tensile, allowing engineers to design longer suspension cables.