tentation

noun

ten·​ta·​tion

ten‧ˈtāshən

plural -s

1

archaic : temptation

2

: a mode of adjusting or operating by successive steps, trials, or experiments

Word History

Etymology

Latin tentation-, tentatio, from tentatus (past participle of tentare to feel, attempt, tempt) + -ion-, -io -ion

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!