Pressure
['preʃə] or ['prɛʃɚ]
Definition
(noun.) a force that compels; 'the public brought pressure to bear on the government'.
(noun.) the somatic sensation that results from applying force to an area of skin; 'the sensitivity of his skin to pressure and temperature was normal'.
(noun.) the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit); 'the compressed gas exerts an increased pressure'.
(noun.) an oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or economic distress.
Typed by Carla--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The act of pressing, or the condition of being pressed; compression; a squeezing; a crushing; as, a pressure of the hand.
(n.) A contrasting force or impulse of any kind; as, the pressure of poverty; the pressure of taxes; the pressure of motives on the mind; the pressure of civilization.
(n.) Affliction; distress; grievance.
(n.) Urgency; as, the pressure of business.
(n.) Impression; stamp; character impressed.
(n.) The action of a force against some obstacle or opposing force; a force in the nature of a thrust, distributed over a surface, often estimated with reference to the upon a unit's area.
Checked by Janice
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Compressing, squeezing, crushing force.[2]. Influence, constraining force.[3]. Urgency, press, hurry.
Checked by Joseph
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Exigency, urgency, constraining, hurry, influence,[See EXISTENCE]
Typed by Jeanette
Definition
n. act of pressing or squeezing: the state of being pressed: impulse: constraining force or influence: that which presses or afflicts: difficulties: urgency: strong demand: (physics) the action of force on something resisting it.—Centre of pressure (see Centre).
Inputed by Betty
Examples
- The instruments show a rapidly decreasing air pressure on all parts of Barsoom--the engine has stopped. Edgar Rice Burroughs. A Princess of Mars.
- When the cranes or other apparatus to be worked thereby are in operation, water is passed from the cylinder through a small pipe which actuates the crane through hydraulic pressure. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- He sat down beside her and waited; but suddenly he heard a step echoing far off down the empty rooms, and felt the pressure of the minutes. Edith Wharton. The Age of Innocence.
- Then came improved weighted and other safety valves to regulate and control this pressure. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- Bloody insurrections repeatedly broke out, always traceable ultimately to the pressure of taxation. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- This machine contains a number of rotating beaters and high-pressure streams of water. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- The gas, when purified, is conveyed to the gas-holder, whence it is forced by pressure into the mains and pipes. Frederick C. Bakewell. Great Facts.
- By the high pressures, or stresses given by the hydraulic press it was learned that cold metals have plasticity and can be moulded or stretched like other plastic bodies. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- These stresses are results of the longitudinal and radial pressures of the gas developed by the ignition and explosion of the powder. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- In fact, Boyle had sustained the hypothesis that supposes the pressures and expansions to be in reciprocal proportions. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- The boy flying a kite has to keep his eye on the kite, and has to note the various pressures of the string on his hand. John Dewey. Democracy and Education.
- By means of this instrument, pressures that are otherwise inappreciable and undiscoverable may be observed and indicated. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
Checked by Dolores