post-tension
|post-ten-sion|
🇺🇸
/ˌpoʊstˈtɛnʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌpəʊstˈtɛnʃən/
apply tension after setting
Etymology
'post-tension' is formed from the prefix 'post-' meaning 'after' and the verb 'tension' meaning 'to apply tension.'
The term 'post-tension' was coined in the 20th century as a technical term in civil engineering, combining 'post-' and 'tension' to describe a specific construction method.
Initially, it simply described the act of applying tension after something, but it evolved to specifically refer to a method in concrete construction.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or method of applying tension to tendons in concrete after it has set.
Post-tension is commonly used in bridge construction.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to apply tension to reinforcing tendons in concrete after the concrete has set, typically to strengthen the structure.
Engineers decided to post-tension the concrete beams for added strength.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/27 11:18