tensile
UK: ˈtɛnsaɪl | US: ˈtɛnsəl
adj. relating to tension; capable of being stretched or drawn out
tensile = tens<stretch> + ile<adjective suffix>
- tens: From Latin tensus (past participle of tendere, meaning "to stretch").
- ile: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating capability or relation (e.g., flexible, volatile).
Etymology Origin:
The word tensile traces back to the Latin tendere ("to stretch"), which also gave rise to words like tension and extend. The suffix -ile was adopted from Latin -ilis, used to form adjectives denoting capacity or tendency. Together, tensile literally means "capable of being stretched," reflecting its modern usage in physics and engineering to describe materials' resistance to breaking under tension.
Steel has high tensile strength, making it ideal for construction.
The tensile properties of the fabric were tested in the lab.
Rubber bands lose their tensile quality over time.
Engineers study tensile stress to design safer bridges.
Spider silk is renowned for its exceptional tensile durability.