TAUT

Taut is an adjective meaning pulled tight or under tension. It describes objects that have been stretched to their limit without slack, such as a taut rope, a taut drumhead, or a taut membrane. In broader use, taut can refer to anything drawn tightly or strained, including muscles, fabric, or skin.

In technical contexts, tautness relates to the presence of tension and rigidity. A taut line resists sagging; engineers assess tautness in cables, membranes, and supports to ensure structural stability. In biomechanics, taut muscles or fascia can convey readiness or constraint, while in materials science, the degree of tautness affects how a surface or layer responds to forces.

As a figurative term, taut often conveys mental or emotional tension. A taut atmosphere suggests heightened anticipation or stress. A taut narrative or film is tight and economical, using precise pacing, focused detail, and restraint to sustain momentum and suspense.

See also: tautness, tautology, tension, strain.