relaxation

American  

[ree-lak-sey-shuhn] / ˌri lækˈseɪ ʃən /

noun

1. abatement or relief from bodily or mental work, effort, application, etc.

2. an activity or recreation that provides such relief; diversion; entertainment.

   Synonyms:

   pleasure, amusement, fun

3. a loosening or slackening.

4. diminution or remission of strictness or severity.

5. Mathematics. a numerical procedure for solving systems of equations by successive approximations of the variables.

6. Physics.

   1. the return of a system undergoing dissipation to an initial state of equilibrium after being displaced from it.

   2. the approach to steady-state operation of a system that has undergone dissipation and a change in state or has been subjected to an abrupt periodic disturbance.

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relaxation British  

/ ˌriːlækˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. rest or refreshment, as after work or effort; recreation

2. a form of rest or recreation

   his relaxation is cricket

3. a partial lessening of a punishment, duty, etc

4. the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed

5. physics the return of a system to equilibrium after a displacement from this state

6. maths a method by which errors resulting from an approximation are reduced by using new approximations

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Other Word Forms

• nonrelaxation noun

Etymology

Origin of relaxation

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin relaxātiōn- (stem of relaxātiō ), equivalent to relaxāt ( us ) (past participle of relaxāre to relax; -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

The relaxation of tensions over Greenland has removed the immediate tension, but lessons have been learned.

From MarketWatch

In addition, regulatory relaxation and cost restructuring will support earnings as Chinese automakers continue to pose a threat.

From The Wall Street Journal

“While prices are in decline today on some relaxation in U.S. rhetoric, the next leg up may be in a matter of days.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Aunt Kitty never wasted a minute on rest and relaxation.

From Literature

The Conrad Spa certainly delivers on all counts, with beautiful facilities, including access to a pool and hot tub, a relaxation room, as well as a steam room and sauna.

From Salon

Related Words

• enjoyment
• leisure
• loosening
• mitigation
• pleasure
• recreation
• relief