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]

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]