relaxation

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law Formal

n. the act of making a rule, law, or control less strict.

n. the mitigation or abatement of rigor in the application of laws, rules, or standards.

“The government announced a relaxation of the travel restrictions next month.”

“Economists argue that a further relaxation of trade barriers is essential for stimulating cross-border investment in the region.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine Technical

n. the process of a muscle or material becoming less tight.

n. the physiological or mechanical process of returning to a state of low tension after contraction or stress.

“These exercises help with the relaxation of the neck muscles.”

“The therapist focused on the relaxation of the diaphragm to improve the patient's breathing patterns during recovery.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. the process of an atom or molecule losing energy and returning to a stable state.

n. the transition of a physical system, such as an atom or nucleus, from an excited state to a lower energy state.

“The scientist measured the relaxation time of the molecules after the laser pulse.”

“Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging relies on the different relaxation rates of protons in various types of biological tissue.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Music Technical

n. the part of a piece of music where the tension or excitement goes away.

n. the resolution or release of harmonic or rhythmic tension within a musical composition.

“The song builds up a lot of energy before a sudden relaxation in the chorus.”

“The composer uses a series of dissonant chords followed by a slow relaxation into a major key to create a sense of peace.”