In music, what does stating that a chord is "augmented" imply?

When a chord is described as "augmented," it signifies that one of its intervals, typically the fifth, has been increased or made larger than what is considered typical for that chord type. For example, in a C augmented chord, the notes would be C, E, and G#, where G# is raised from a G natural, creating a distinctive sound. This alteration contributes to the unique character of the augmented chord, often perceived as more dissonant or tense compared to regular chords.

The other options do not accurately connect to the definition of an augmented chord. A diminished chord, for instance, involves a lowering of the fifth, while a chord consisting only of whole tones refers to a specific type of scale or modality rather than an alteration of a chord's intervals. Additionally, while augmented chords can sound tense, this quality is not inherent in the definition itself but rather a result of their construction and context in music.