decompression
|de/com/pres/sion|
/ˌdiːkəmˈprɛʃən/
pressure release
Etymology
'decompression' originates from the Latin prefix 'de-' meaning 'down' or 'away' and 'compressio' meaning 'a pressing together'.
'compressio' transformed into the French word 'compression', and eventually became the modern English word 'decompression' through the addition of the prefix 'de-'.
Initially, it meant 'to release pressure', and over time it evolved to include the sense of 'relaxation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process of reducing pressure or tension, especially in a physical or mechanical context.
The decompression of the chamber took several minutes.
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Noun 2
the act of relaxing or unwinding after a period of stress or tension.
After a long week, she needed some decompression time.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42