verb
definition
To make less; to diminish; to reduce.
definition
To become less.
Examples of lessens in a Sentence
This lessens eyestrain.
This leads to deterioration of agriculture and lessens the production.
The combination of ductility, which lessens the tendency to break when overstrained or distorted, with a very high limit of elasticity, gives it great value for shafting, the merit of which is measured by its endurance of the repeated stresses to which its rotation exposes it whenever its alignment is not mathematically straight.
Manganese by itself rather lessens than increases the malleableness and, indeed, the general merit of the metal, but it is added intentionally, in quantities even as large as 1 5 to palliate the effects of sulphur and oxygen.
The advantage of this combination is that, by simplifying the conditions with which the composition of the pig iron has to comply, it makes the management of the blast furnace easier, and thus lessens the danger of making " misfit " pig iron, i.e.
Not only does it relieve the spasm, but it lessens the amount of secretion - often dangerously excessive - which is often associated with it.
But it undoubtedly prolongs life, lessens suffering, and by checking the growth of bacteria upon the cancer reduces the fetid odour and the symptoms of septic intoxication.
The quantity obtained from each fir is very variable, depending on the vigour of the tree, and greatly lessens after it has been subjected to the operation for some years.
The climbing of ladders from deep mines not only lessens the efficiency of the men by reason of fatigue, but often tends to increase the mortality from diseases of the heart.
North of the apex of the delta and the boundary between the deltaic and inland tracts, the rainfall gradually lessens as far as Minbu, where what was formerly called the rainless zone commences and extends as far as Katha.
The Mississippi valley tribes are nearly brachycephalic; the index increases around the Great Lakes, and lessens farther east.
The depth of the small drain at the junction is made about as great as that of the main drain, and it gradually lessens towards the taper to 6 in.
As a verb, the word means to stifle or check; hence damped vibrations or oscillations are those which have been reduced or stopped, instead of being allowed to die out naturally; the "dampers" of the piano are small pieces of feltcovered wood which fall upon the strings and stop their vibrations as the keys are allowed to rise; and the "damper" of a chimney or flue, by restricting the draught, lessens the rate of combustion.
For on the one hand knowledge of the fact that nitrite of amyl lessens blood pressure has led to the successful employment of other nitrites and bodies having a similar action, and on the other the knowledge that increased blood pressure tends to cause anginal pain leads to the prohibition of any strain, any food, any exposure to cold, and also of any medicines which would unduly raise the blood pressure.
A combination of the two kinds of remedy is sometimes useful, and chloral sometimes succeeds when other things fail, because it depresses the circulation as well as lessens the activity of the brain-cells.
During its continuance fat is absorbed from the subcutaneous tissue, and patients become very much thinner, so that it not only lessens flatulence, but reduces obesity.
Alkaline waters containing a little common salt are perhaps even more important than the pure alkaline, as the salt lessens the depressing effect of the alkali.
During the summer months the general course of the wind along the sea-coast is interrupted about midday by an incoming current of air, the " sea breeze," which gradually increases until about three o'clock in the afternoon, and then gradually lessens until the offshore wind takes its place.
It has in addition a markedly depressing action upon the respiratory centre, it lessens all the secretions except the sweat, and diminishes bowel peristalsis and the size of the pupil.
This method of passing the line lessens the danger of the heavy backwash carrying the towline into the screws of either or both boats.
Lessens the risk of jaw fractures, and brain concussion.
A range of interests and needs among the user base widens the market and lessens dependence on a single group.
The lower branches often require removal, to ensure the formation of a tall straight trunk, and this operation should be performed before the superfluous shoots get too large, or the timber will be injured; but, as with all trees, unnecessary pruning should be avoided, as every branch removed lessens the vigour of growth.
This splitting of the air not only lessens the cost of ventilating, but greatly increases its efficiency by permitting the circulation of much larger volumes, and has the added advantage that the effect of an explosion or other accident vitiating the air current is often confined to a single division of the mine, and affects but a small part of the working force.
Instead, the medicines make the refluxed contents less acidic, which lessens the discomfort.
Front straps with cotton backing-By providing comfort and added support, the cotton backing on these straps lessens the occurrence of over-stretching.
Keep in mind that the quality of the recording lessens the longer you record.
The act of familiarizing itself with its environment lessens most elements of surprise for the cat.
Many have found the fellowship and resources of this organization lessens the burden of finding a way out of debt and provides ample support for achieving financial goals.
This lessens your dependency on public water and sewer services.
This lessens the sterile, clinical feel that often pervades traditional, sparse bathrooms.
Acting can be very good for teenagers, even if they do not become famous or get a part in a movie, since it helps to make them more self-confident and lessens their fear of speaking in public, or being in front of large crowds.
This treatment program keeps the physical cravings at bay, lessens withdrawal symptoms, and helps with the psychological need for nicotine.
The flowers have often a very unpleasant smell, which lessens their value as garden plants.
Instead, the airflow lessens when the person exhales and increases when the person breathes in.
Respironics CPAP addresses troublesome leaks, and the device lessens pressure to reseal the mask to the sleeper's face rather than increasing the pressure to compensate for the leak.
This makes them easy to take on and off and lessens the risk of losing either pair.
Besides looking cool, it lessens damage from guns.
Wood aging lessens tannin and acid levels, "softening" the wine.
The person remains in the situation until the anxiety lessens.
Fetal surgery for CDH lessens the severity of the condition so that the fetus usually survives delivery and lives long enough to undergo corrective surgery.
Some studies have shown that vitamin B6 improves eye contact and speech and lessens tantrum behavior.
Although bullying actually lessens during adolescence, this is the period when peer rejection is most painful for victims.
This lessens the amount of pain during plucking.
Doing so lessens the severity of the look.
This lessens the chances of the tubes reattaching and growing back together in the future.
This provides overall continuity for your child, and lessens the chance of receiving conflicting advice that can lead to unnecessary confusion.
Goggles are recommended as the ability to see clearly underwater lessens fear and relaxes the eyes.
While the material used in the average bathing suit allows a bit of light through to the skin beneath, UV Swimwear blocks out far more rays, and lessens the chance you'll burn beneath your suit.
However, you can't control how someone else feels or behaves, so you may have to just deal with this issue and hope that over time, the pain your ex feels lessens with minimal impact on your children.