tensiune

Tensiune is a Romanian noun with several related meanings that span technical and everyday language. In general, it denotes a state of load, pressure, or potential. The exact sense depends on context: in physics and engineering it references electrical potential or internal material forces; in medicine and psychology it refers to blood pressure or mental and social strain.

In electrical engineering, tensiune refers to electric potential difference between two points in a circuit, driving current. It is measured in volts (V) and can be constant (tensiune continuă, DC) or alternating (tensiune alternativă, AC). Real-world sources include batteries, generators, and the electrical grid; the potential is always measured relative to a reference point such as ground.

In mechanics, tensiune describes the internal forces per unit area within a body under external loading, i.e., stress. The unit is the pascal (Pa). There are tensile stresses (tensiune de tracțiune) and compressive stresses. Tensiune relates to deformation through strain; critical properties include yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, which determine material performance and failure under load.

In physiology and medicine, tensiune forms part of established terms: tensiune arterială means blood pressure, typically expressed as systolic/diastolic mmHg. Hypertension (hipertensiune) and hypotension refer to persistently high or low tensiune. In everyday language tensiune also denotes mental or emotional strain, or a tense social atmosphere, as in a tense situation.