hysteresis

noun hys·ter·e·sis \ˌhis-tə-ˈrē-səs\

plural hys·ter·e·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of HYSTERESIS

: a retardation of an effect when the forces acting upon a body are changed (as if from viscosity or internal friction); especially : a lagging in the values of resulting magnetization in a magnetic material (as iron) due to a changing magnetizing force

— hys·ter·et·ic \-ˈre-tik\ adjective

Origin of HYSTERESIS

New Latin, from Greek hysterēsis shortcoming, from hysterein to be late, fall short, from hysteros later — more at out

First Known Use: 1881

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, kinetic, lase, quantum

Medical Dictionary

hysteresis

noun hys·ter·e·sis \ˌhis-tə-ˈrē-səs\

plural hys·ter·e·ses \-ˌsēz\

Medical Definition of HYSTERESIS

: 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>

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