# DCS

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dcs
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

Stands for Decompression Sickness. A medical condition that happens when a person goes up too fast from a deep dive, causing gas bubbles to form in their blood and tissues.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Decompression Sickness. A condition caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues when a diver ascends too rapidly from a high-pressure environment to a lower one.

## Examples

- The diver felt a sharp pain in his joints and realized he had DCS.
- After the dive, the team checked the depth and time to ensure no one developed DCS from the rapid ascent.
- While modern diving tables and computers help prevent DCS, the condition remains a significant risk for recreational divers who ignore the recommended safety stops during their ascent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.