detumescence

[dee-too-mes-uhns, -tyoo-]

noun

1. reduction or subsidence of swelling.

detumescence

/ ˌdiːtjʊˈmɛsəns /

noun

1. the subsidence of a swelling, esp the return of a swollen organ, such as the penis, to the flaccid state

Other Word Forms

• detumescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detumescence¹

1670–80; < Latin dētumēsc ( ere ) to cease swelling ( dē- de- + tumēscere to swell) + -ence; tumescent

Word History and Origins

Origin of detumescence¹

C17: from Latin dētumescere to cease swelling, from _de- + tumescere, from tumēre to swell

Example Sentences

The brass section explodes, the drums attack, the strings squeal, then everything falls apart in postcoital detumescence.

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Even in childhood, these processes play an important part; indeed, they generally manifest themselves at an earlier age than the processes of detumescence.

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For most men, however, it seems probable that this self-control over the processes leading to the involuntary act of detumescence is difficult to acquire, while in weak, nervous, and erethic persons it is impossible.

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It is therefore reasonable to suppose that the individuals in whom the special phenomena of puberty develop most markedly are those in whom detumescence is likely to be most vigorous.

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This is a normal phenomenon in so far as it is a part of tumescence, and not a method of obtaining detumescence.

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