tensile

/ˈtɛnsəl/
adjective
  1. Relating to the ability of a material to be stretched or pulled without breaking.
    • The tensile properties of the fabric were tested in the lab.
    • Steel has high tensile strength, which is why it's used in bridges and buildings.
    • Engineers measure the tensile force that a cable can withstand before snapping.
  2. Capable of being stretched; ductile.
    • Some plastics are more tensile than others, allowing them to bend without cracking.
    • The tensile nature of the rubber band makes it useful for holding things together.
    • Copper is a tensile metal that can be drawn into thin wires.
What does "tensile" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean