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prestress

[ pree-stres ]
/ priˈstrɛs /

verb (used with object)

(in certain concrete construction) to apply stress to (reinforcing strands) before subjecting to a load.
to make (a concrete member) with prestressed reinforcing strands.

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Origin of prestress

First recorded in 1930–35; pre- + stress

Words nearby prestress

presto, presto chango, Preston, Prestonpans, prestore, prestress, prestressed concrete, Prestwich, Prestwick, presumable, presumably
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for prestress

prestress
/ (ˌpriːˈstrɛs) /

verb

(tr) to apply tensile stress to (the steel cables, wires, etc, of a precast concrete part) before the load is applied
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012