taut

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Translations 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Synonyms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Middle English past participle of tow

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /tɔːt/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
•  Audio (UK)^{help, file}

  Rhymes: -ɔːt

[edit] Adjective

taut (comparative more taut, superlative most taut)

1. Tight; under tension, as in a rope or bow string.
   • 1883: Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

     The hawser was as taut as a bowstring - so strong she pulled upon her anchor.

2. Experiencing stress or anxiety.
   • 1989 Faye Kellerman, The Quality of Mercy

     His outward appearance was calm, but inside he was very taut.

3. Containing only relevant parts, brief and controlled.
   • 2007 Milton C. Sernett, Harriet Tubman: Myth, Memory and History

     Quick action and dialogue create a taut story, although it is illustration that shapes the characters.

[edit] Translations

[edit] Derived terms

• tauten
• tautly
• tautness

[edit] Synonyms

tense