TENSEGRITY Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com (original) (raw)

[ten-seg-ri-tee] / tɛnˈsɛg rɪ ti /

  1. the property of skeleton structures that employ continuous tension members and discontinuous compression members in such a way that each member operates with the maximum efficiency and economy.

adjective

  1. noting any of a series of structures developed by R. Buckminster Fuller that embody this property.

Etymology

Origin of tensegrity

tens(ion) + (int)egrity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Milam, who was honored by Forbes for her work in nested-tetrahedron tensegrity robots, built a new spacesuit helmet out of duct tape, a pool noodle, and Bubble Wrap.

FromThe New Yorker • Apr. 13, 2015

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So far, no one has put the tensegrity mast to use, except as decoration.

FromTime Magazine Archive

Divining that the compression and tension factors can be separated in any structure, he has designed a "tensegrity mast" that seems to be held up by nothing at all.

FromTime Magazine Archive

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.