n 1  :  the burden of mental or physical distress esp. from grief, illness, or adversity  2  :  the application of force to something by something else in direct contact with it  :  COMPRESSION  3 a  :  the action of a force against some opposing force  :  a force in the nature of a thrust distributed over a surface  b  :  the force or thrust exerted over a surface divided by the area of the surface  4  :  ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE  5  :  ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE  6  :  a touch sensation aroused by moderate compression of the skin .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  pres·sor 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2004.