ENGLISH
REFERENCE

relaxation

n.
US //ˌɹiɫækˈseɪʃən// UK //ɹɪlɐksˈeɪʃən// re·lax·ation
  1. 1 rest and calm (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the feeling of being calm and resting after work or stress.

    the state of being free from tension and anxiety; the pursuit of leisure to restore mental or physical well-being.

    Example

    I listen to soft music for relaxation after a long day at the office.

    Example

    The spa offers a variety of treatments designed specifically for deep relaxation and the reduction of chronic stress levels.
  2. 2 making rules less strict (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Economists argue that a further relaxation of trade barriers is essential for stimulating cross-border investment in the region.
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  1. 3 physical loosening (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Medicine

    the process of a muscle or material becoming less tight.

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

    Example

    These exercises help with the relaxation of the neck muscles.

    Example

    The therapist focused on the relaxation of the diaphragm to improve the patient's breathing patterns during recovery.
  2. 4 energy transition (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging relies on the different relaxation rates of protons in various types of biological tissue.
  3. 5 musical release (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Music

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

Borrowed from Latin relaxatio, relaxationis; equivalent to relax + -ation.

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