tense

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   The property of indicating the point in time at which an action or state of being occurs or exists.
2. 2
   An inflected form of a verb that indicates tense.
3. 3
   A grammatical aspect.
4. 4
   A verb form or construction indicating a combination of tense, aspect, and mood.

Verb

1. 1
   To apply a tense to.
2. 2
   To make tense.
3. 3
   To become tense.

Adjective

1. 1
   Showing signs of stress or strain; not relaxed.
2. 2
   Characterized by strain (on the nerves, emotions, etc). (Compare charged.)
3. 3
   Pulled taut, without any slack.
4. 4
   Produced with relative constriction of the vocal tract.