Main Entry: hys·ter·e·sis

Pronunciation: \ˌhis-tə-ˈrē-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural hys·ter·e·ses \-ˌsēz\

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 hysteresis 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 hysteresis, 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