stress

¹stress

noun \ˈstres\

Definition of STRESS

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; especially : 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