n, pl  -e*ses   1  :  the lagging of a physical effect on a body behind its cause (as behind changed forces and conditions) <all manometers must be tested for as well as for sensitivity and natural frequency -H. D. Green>   2 a  :  the influence of the previous history or treatment of a body on its subsequent response to a given force or changed condition <a study has been made of the phenomenon of rennet , in which the time of coagulation of heated milk is progressively greater with increase in the time interval between heating and addition of rennet -J. S. Fruton>   b  :  the changed response of a body that results from this influence .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  sa·ty·ri·a·sis  sid·er·o·sis 
 
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