Taut or strained (5)

I believe the answer is:

tense

This clue is a double definition.

'taut' is the first definition.
(similar in meaning)

'strained' is the second definition.
(similar in meaning)

(Other definitions for tense that I've seen before include "Verb form, indicates time" , "not together?" , "Attribute of verbs signalling time" , "Worried" , "On edge" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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