/keuhm pluy"euhns/ , n.
1. the act of conforming, acquiescing, or yielding.
2. a tendency to yield readily to others, esp. in a weak and subservient way.
3. conformity; accordance: in compliance with orders.
4. cooperation or obedience: Compliance with the law is expected of all.
5. Physics.
a. the strain of an elastic body expressed as a function of the force producing the strain.
b. a coefficient expressing the responsiveness of a mechanical system to a periodic force.
[ 1635-45; COMPLY + -ANCE ]