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 Words From

• detu·mescent 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

But in these cases also, the complete fusion of the processes of detumescence and contrectation occurs very gradually.

From Project Gutenberg

This is true of both components of the sexual impulse, of the phenomena of contrectation, no less than of those of detumescence.

From Project Gutenberg

The detumescence-impulse is sometimes the sole manifestation of the sexual impulse.

From Project Gutenberg

It is equally an incident, highly important though not primitive and fundamental, of detumescence.

From Project Gutenberg

A state of tumescence is not normally constant, and tumescence must be obtained before detumescence is possible.

From Project Gutenberg