steady-pressure
|sted- dy- pres- sure|
🇺🇸
/ˈstɛdiˌprɛʃər/
🇬🇧
/ˈstɛdiˌprɛʃə/
constant force applied
Etymology
'steady-pressure' originates from modern English as a compound of the adjective 'steady' and the noun 'pressure', literally combining their senses to mean a 'steady (constant) pressure'.
'pressure' entered English via Old French (Middle English) from Latin 'pressura' (from 'premere' meaning 'to press'); 'steady' developed in Middle English from Old English/Old Norse roots (Middle English 'stedie' / Old English related forms) meaning 'stable' or 'firm'. These two words were later combined in modern English to form the compound 'steady-pressure'.
Initially the elements meant 'firm/constant' ('steady') and 'the act of pressing or force' ('pressure'); over time the compound kept this literal meaning and came to be used both literally (physical forces) and figuratively (sustained influence or demands).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a continuous or constant application of force or influence over time (often physical force, fluid or air pressure, or figurative pressure such as social or professional demands).
The bridge experienced steady-pressure from the river's current throughout the storm.
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Adjective 1
describing a mechanism, condition, or setting that maintains pressure at a constant level (used attributively, e.g., 'steady-pressure valve').
They installed a steady-pressure valve to keep the flow constant.
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Last updated: 2025/10/12 17:03