relaxation

Etymology

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

noun

1. The act of relaxing or the state of being relaxed; the opposite of stress or tension; the aim of recreation and leisure activities.
2. A diminution of tone, tension, or firmness; specifically in pathology: a looseness; a diminution of the natural and healthy tone of parts.
   relaxation of the soft palate
3. Remission or abatement of rigor.
4. Remission of attention or application.
   relaxation of efforts
5. Unbending; recreation; a state or occupation intended to give mental or bodily relief after effort.
6. (physics) The transition of a nucleus, atom or molecule from a higher energy level to a lower one; the opposite of excitation
7. (music) The release following musical tension.