relaxation

[ree-lak-sey-shuh n] /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.
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.
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English < Latin relaxātiōn- (stem of relaxātiō), equivalent to relaxāt(us) (past participle of relaxāre to relax; see -ate1) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
nonrelaxation, noun
Synonyms
2. fun, amusement, pleasure.
Examples from the web for relaxation
  • The casual comfort of the two chairs seems to invite relaxation and intimate conversation.
  • relaxation is easy when your garden has all the ambience of a desert resort.
  • Presidents need relaxation, whether playing golf or clearing brush.
  • Its long coasts offer many different choices for a time of sun and relaxation, each one with its own local culture and character.
  • There is not an either work or relaxation moment but a change of scene may make both work and relaxation more positive.
  • It was my zone of relaxation that took me away from the stress of school.
  • It's excellent for spot application to tight areas or injuries as well as for general relaxation.
  • It makes mercy and relaxation and even a strength to spread a table fuller.
  • In this large and growing domestic circle his hours of relaxation were spent.
  • But in this the bishops had power to dispense, or to grant a relaxation or indulgence.
British Dictionary definitions for relaxation

relaxation

/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
Word Origin and History for relaxation
n.

late 14c., "rupture; mid-15c., "remission of a burden or penalty," from Old French relaxacion (14c.) and directly from Latin relaxationem (nominative relaxatio) "an easing, mitigation, relaxation," noun of action from past participle stem of relaxare (see relax). Meaning "relief from hard work or ordinary cares" is from 1540s.

relaxation in Medicine

relaxation re·lax·a·tion (rē'lāk-sā'shən)
n.

  1. The act of relaxing or the state of being relaxed.

  2. Refreshment of body or mind.

  3. A loosening or slackening.

  4. The lengthening of inactive muscle or muscle fibers.