Relaxation stands quite generally for a release of tension, a return to equilibrium. In the sciences, the term is used in the following ways: *

Relaxation (physics) In the physical sciences, relaxation usually means the return of a perturbed system into equilibrium. Each relaxation process can be categorized by a relaxation time τ. The simplest theoretical description of relaxation as function of time ...

, and more in particular: **

Relaxation (NMR) In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), an observable nuclear spin polarization (magnetization) is created by a homogeneous magnetic field. This field makes the magnetic dipole moments of the sample p ...

, processes by which nuclear magnetization returns to the equilibrium distribution **

Dielectric relaxation In electromagnetism, a dielectric (or dielectric medium) is an electrical insulator that can be polarised by an applied electric field. When a dielectric material is placed in an electric field, electric charges do not flow through the materia ...

, the delay in the dielectric constant of a material ** Vibrational energy relaxation, the process by which molecules in high energy quantum states return to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution ** Chemical relaxation methods, related to temperature jump **

Relaxation oscillator In electronics, a relaxation oscillator is a nonlinear electronic oscillator circuit that produces a nonsinusoidal repetitive output signal, such as a triangle wave or square wave. on Peter Millet'Tubebookswebsite The circuit consists of a ...

, a type of

electronic oscillator An electronic oscillator is an electronic circuit that produces a periodic, oscillating or alternating current (AC) signal, usually a sine wave, square wave or a triangle wave, powered by a direct current (DC) source. Oscillators are found ...

In mathematics: :*

Relaxation (approximation) In mathematical optimization and related fields, relaxation is a mathematical model, modeling strategy. A relaxation is an approximation of a difficult problem by a nearby problem that is easier to solve. A solution of the relaxed problem provides ...

, a technique for transforming hard constraints into easier ones :*

Relaxation (iterative method) In numerical mathematics, relaxation methods are iterative methods for solving systems of equations, including nonlinear systems. Relaxation methods were developed for solving large sparse linear systems, which arose as finite-difference disc ...

, a technique for the numerical solution of equations :* Relaxation (extension method), a technique for a natural extension in mathematical optimization or variational problems In computer science: :*

Relaxation (computing) A linker or link editor is a computer program that combines intermediate software build files such as object and library files into a single executable file such as a program or library. A linker is often part of a toolchain that includes a comp ...

, the act of substituting alternative program code during linking In

physiology Physiology (; ) is the science, scientific study of function (biology), functions and mechanism (biology), mechanisms in a life, living system. As a branches of science, subdiscipline of biology, physiology focuses on how organisms, organ syst ...

hypnosis Hypnosis is a human condition involving focused attention (the selective attention/selective inattention hypothesis, SASI), reduced peripheral awareness, and an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion.In 2015, the American Psychological ...

meditation Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness and detach from reflexive, "discursive thinking", achieving a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state, while not judging the meditat ...

recreation Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for happiness, enjoyment, amusement, ...

: *

Relaxation (psychology) In psychology, relaxation is the emotional state of low tension, in which there is an absence of arousal, particularly from negative sources such as anger, anxiety, or fear. Relaxation is a form of mild Ecstasy (emotion), ecstasy coming from the ...

, the emotional state of low tension *

Relaxation technique A relaxation technique (also known as relaxation training) is any method, process, procedure, or activity that helps a person to relax; attain a state of increased calmness; or otherwise reduce levels of pain, anxiety, stress or anger. Relaxat ...

, an activity that helps a person to relax In ecclesiastical law: * Relaxation in person, transfer of a condemned person so that secular authorities execute a death sentence

See also