detumescence

[ dee-too-mes-uhns, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. reduction or subsidence of swelling.

detumescence

/ ˌdiːtjʊˈmɛsəns /

noun

1. the subsidence of a swelling, esp the return of a swollen organ, such as the penis, to the flaccid state

Other Words From

• detu·mescent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detumescence¹

1670–80; < Latin dētumēsc ( ere ) to cease swelling ( dē- de- + tumēscere to swell) + -ence; tumescent

Word History and Origins

Origin of detumescence¹

C17: from Latin dētumescere to cease swelling, from de- + tumescere, from tumēre to swell

Example Sentences

The brass section explodes, the drums attack, the strings squeal, then everything falls apart in postcoital detumescence.

From New York Times

Even in childhood, these processes play an important part; indeed, they generally manifest themselves at an earlier age than the processes of detumescence.

From Project Gutenberg

Note 28: One should here think of Moll's assertion, who divides the sexual impulse into the impulses of contrectation and detumescence.

From Project Gutenberg

For most men, however, it seems probable that this self-control over the processes leading to the involuntary act of detumescence is difficult to acquire, while in weak, nervous, and erethic persons it is impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

It is therefore reasonable to suppose that the individuals in whom the special phenomena of puberty develop most markedly are those in whom detumescence is likely to be most vigorous.

From Project Gutenberg