high-tension

/'hai'tenʃn/

Thân thiện

A high-tension wire runs between two tall utility poles.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Subjected to or capable of operating under relatively high voltage: Describes electrical equipment, lines, or systems that are designed for or carry a high electrical voltage, significantly above the standard domestic level.

Usage

• The term "high-tension" is used attributively, almost always placed before a noun to modify it (e.g., high-tension wire, high-tension line). It is a technical term primarily used in electrical engineering and power distribution contexts.
• It indicates a potential hazard due to the high voltage, distinguishing such equipment from low-voltage systems.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Workers must wear special protective gear when repairing high-tension power lines.
  • The substation converts electricity from high-tension transmission lines to a lower voltage for local distribution.
  • A high-tension cable runs between the two towers.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often part of compound nouns in technical specifications. The hyphen is standard in this fixed compound adjective.
• "high-tension insulator": An insulator designed to withstand high voltages.
  • Ceramic discs are commonly used as high-tension insulators on utility poles.

Variants and Related Words

• High voltage (n.): A more general noun phrase for the same concept. "High-tension" is the adjectival form.
  • That equipment is designed for high voltage. (noun phrase)
  • That is a high-tension cable. (adjective)
• HT (abbreviation): A common abbreviation in technical diagrams and schematics.
• Low-tension (adj.): The opposite, describing systems operating at relatively low voltage.

Synonyms

• High-voltage (adj.): Functionally synonymous, though "high-tension" is a more specific technical term in certain industries (e.g., power transmission).

Antonyms

• Low-tension
• Low-voltage

Notes on Different Meanings

• "High-tension" is a specialized technical adjective. It does not have the metaphorical meaning of emotional or situational "tension" (e.g., a high-tension drama). For that meaning, the phrase "high tension" (without the hyphen) is used.
  • Compare:

    • Technical: A high-tension wire. (hyphenated compound adjective)
    • General: The meeting was filled with high tension. (noun phrase: a high level of tension)

Học thuật

Adjective

1. subjected to or capable of operating under relatively high voltage
   • high-tension wire