WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
de•com•pres•sion
(dē′kəm presh′ən),USA pronunciation n.
decompression, +n.
- the gradual reduction in atmospheric pressure experienced by divers, construction workers, etc., after working in deep water or breathing compressed air.
- the act or process of releasing from pressure.
- Surgerythe procedure of relieving increased cranial, cardiac, or orbital pressure.
- a state of relief from pressure;
a return to normalcy after a stressful period or situation. - Computingthe restoration of data that has undergone compression to its original state.
- French décompression. See de-, compression
- probably 1900–05
decompression, +n.
- Computingthe restoration of data that has undergone compression to its original state.
'decompression' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):