decompression
/ˌdiːkəmˈprɛʃən/
Definition
The process of reducing the pressure surrounding a person or object, particularly the gradual release of atmospheric or water pressure to prevent physical harm.
Etymology
The word is formed from the Latin prefix 'de-' (down, away) combined with 'compression,' which derives from the Latin 'compressare' (to press together). It entered English in the 19th century to describe the reversal of applied physical pressure.
In the news
In the article, the term refers to the vital, controlled procedure aquanauts must undergo when moving from the high-pressure seafloor environment back to the surface. It also describes the harmful pressure change that samples experience when brought up, which can alter their chemical and biological state.
A New Habitat at the Bottom of the Ocean Is Waiting for Its First Aquanauts
Read the full article ↗ZME Science