intension

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: in=ten=sion

CIDE DICTIONARY

intension, n. [L. intensio: cf. F. intension. See Intend, and cf. Intention.].

•  A straining, stretching, or bending; the state of being strained; as, the intension of a musical string.  [1913 Webster]
•  Increase of power or energy of any quality or thing; intenseness; fervency.  Jer. Taylor.  [1913 Webster]

  "Sounds . . . likewise do rise and fall with the intension or remission of the wind."  [1913 Webster]
•  The collective attributes, qualities, or marks that make up a complex general notion; the comprehension, content, or connotation; -- opposed to extension, extent, or sphere.  [1913 Webster]

  "This law is, that the intension of our knowledge is in the inverse ratio of its extension."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

intension, n.
1 Logic the internal content of a concept.
2 formal the intensity, or high degree, of a quality.
3 formal the strenuous exertion of the mind or will.

Derivative

intensional adj. intensionally adv.

Etymology

L intensio (as INTEND)