prestress

American  

[pree-stres] / priˈstrɛs /

verb (used with object)

1. (in certain concrete construction) to apply stress to (reinforcing strands) before subjecting to a load.

2. to make (a concrete member) with prestressed reinforcing strands.

---

prestress British  

/ ˌpriːˈstrɛs /

verb

1. (tr) to apply tensile stress to (the steel cables, wires, etc, of a precast concrete part) before the load is applied

---

Etymology

Origin of prestress

First recorded in 1930–35; pre- + stress