taut 
/ˈtɑ:t/ adjective
taut·er; taut·est /ˈtɑ:t/ adjective [also more taut; most taut] 1 : very tight from being pulled or stretched : not loose or slack
▪ The rope was drawn/pulled/stretched taut. 2 : firm and strong : not loose or flabby
▪ taut muscles 3 : very tense
▪ taut nerves ▪ The book is a taut thriller.
▪ The rope was drawn/pulled/stretched taut.
▪ taut muscles
▪ taut nerves ▪ The book is a taut thriller.
— taut·ly adverb
▪ a rope pulled tautly
▪ a rope pulled tautly
— taut·ness noun [noncount]
▪ check the wire's tautness
▪ check the wire's tautness
