detumescence

American  

[dee-too-mes-uhns, -tyoo-] / ˌdi tuˈmɛs əns, -tyu- /

noun

1. reduction or subsidence of swelling.

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detumescence British  

/ ˌdiːtjʊˈmɛsəns /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• detumescent adjective

Etymology

Origin of detumescence

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

Example Sentences

This appears rather remarkable, inasmuch as we must assume that in the phylogeny of our species the processes of detumescence appeared earlier.

From Project Gutenberg

With the onset of muscular action, which is mainly involuntary, even when it affects the voluntary muscles, detumescence proper begins to take place.

From Project Gutenberg

But although in most individuals the processes of detumescence make their appearance in consciousness only in a secondary manner, it does not follow that in the actual course of development they are also secondary.

From Project Gutenberg

High blood-pressure is one of the most marked features of the state of detumescence.

From Project Gutenberg

I am not acquainted with any precise observations on the blood-pressure in human subjects during detumescence, and there are obvious difficulties in the way of such observations.

From Project Gutenberg