I. (ˌ)prē-ˈstres transitive verb
Date: 1934
: to introduce internal stresses into (as a structural beam) to counteract the stresses that will result from applied load (as in incorporating cables under tension in concrete)
II. ˈprē-ˌstres, ˌprē-ˈ noun
Date: 1934
1. : the stresses introduced in prestressing
2. : the process of prestressing
3. : the condition of being prestressed