- tentation
- \\ten.ˈtāshən\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Latin tentation-, tentatio, from tentatus (past participle of tentare to feel, attempt, tempt) + -ion-, -io -ion2. : a mode of adjusting or operating by successive steps, trials, or experiments
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/ten tay"sheuhn/, n.a method of making mechanical adjustments or the like by a succession of trials.[1875-80; < L tentation- (s. of tentatio) trial, var. of TEMPTATIO. See TEMPTATION]* * *
tentation /ten-tāˈshən/noun1. An old form of ↑temptation2. A method of adjusting by a succession of trials (mechanics)ORIGIN: L tentātiō, -ōnis, from tentāre to test* * *
tentation(tɛnˈteɪʃən)[ad. L. tentātiōn-em, late form (after Romanic) of temptātiōn-em, n. of action from temptāre (tentāre) to try, tempt.]1. Obsolete form of temptation, q.v.: sometimes specially expressing experimental trial, as distinct from enticement to evil.2. techn. A mode of working or adjusting by trial or experiment. a. ‘(Locksmithing.) A mode of picking locks in which the bolt is pressed backward constantly, and the tumblers released one by one from the stud.’ b. ‘(Compass-adjusting.) Professor Airy's mode of adjusting compasses in iron ships, in which boxes of iron chain and magnets are experimentally placed and shifted..until the disturbing influence of the iron hull is neutralized’ (Knight Dict. Mech. 1877 s.v.).
Useful english dictionary. 2012.