n 1 a  :  a force exerted when one body or body part presses on, pulls on, pushes against, or tends to compress or twist another body or body part : esp  :  the intensity of this mutual force commonly expressed in pounds per square inch  b  :  the deformation caused in a body by such a force  2 a  :  a physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension and may be a factor in disease causation  b  :  a state of bodily or mental tension resulting from factors that tend to alter an existent equilibrium  3  :  the force exerted between teeth of the upper and lower jaws during mastication
vt :  to subject to stress <a patient ed by surgery>  .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  cit·rus 
 
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