Decompression has several meanings, some of which are covered by several articles:
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Data decompression
In information theory, data compression, source coding, or bit-rate reduction is the process of encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation. Any particular compression is either lossy or lossless. Lossless compression ...
, the action of reversing data compression
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Decompression (physics)
In mechanics, compression is the application of balanced inward ("pushing") forces to different points on a material or Structural system, structure, that is, forces with no Net force, net sum or torque directed so as to reduce its size in one ...
, the release of pressure and the opposition of
physical compression
In mechanics, compression is the application of balanced inward ("pushing") forces to different points on a material or structure, that is, forces with no net sum or torque directed so as to reduce its size in one or more directions.Ferdinand ...
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Decompression (altitude)
Hypobaric decompression is the reduction in ambient pressure below the normal range of sea level atmospheric pressure. Altitude decompression is hypobaric decompression which is the natural consequence of unprotected elevation to altitude, while o ...
. the reduction of pressure and the related physiological effects due to increase in altitude or other equivalent reduction of ambient pressure below normal atmospheric pressure
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Uncontrolled decompression
An uncontrolled decompression is an undesired drop in the pressure of a sealed system, such as a pressurised aircraft cabin or hyperbaric chamber, that typically results from human error, structural failure, or impact, causing the pressurised vess ...
, catastrophic reduction of pressure in accidents involving pressure vessels such as aircraft
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Decompression (diving)
The decompression of a diver is the reduction in ambient pressure experienced during ascent from depth. It is also the process of elimination of dissolved inert gases from the diver's body which accumulate during ascent, largely during p ...
, the reduction in pressure and the process of allowing dissolved inert gases to be eliminated from the tissues during ascent from a dive
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Decompression (comics)
In comics, decompression is a stylistic storytelling choice characterized by a strong emphasis on visuals or character interaction, which, in turn, usually leads to slower-moving plots.
The style is often used with widescreen comics.
History ...
, in comic book storytelling, is the stylistic choice to tell a story mainly by visuals, with few words.
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''Decompression'' (novel), a 2012 novel by Juli Zeh
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Decompression (surgery) In medicine, decompression refers to the removal or repositioning of any structure compressing any other structure.
Common examples include decompressive craniectomy (removal of part of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain), a spinal decompre ...
, a procedure used to reduce pressure on a compressed structure, such as
spinal decompression
Spinal decompression is the relief of pressure on the spinal cord or on one or more compressed nerve roots passing through or exiting the spinal column. Decompression of the spinal neural elements is a key component in treating spinal radiculopat ...
** Herniated disc decompression, a form of treatment for
Spinal disc herniation
A disc herniation or spinal disc herniation is an injury to the intervertebral disc between two vertebrae, usually caused by excessive strain or trauma to the spine. It may result in back pain, pain or sensation in different parts of the body, ...
, employed by chiropractors
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"Decompression" (''The Outer Limits''), an episode of the American television fiction series ''The Outer Limits''
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Nerve decompression
A nerve decompression is a neurosurgical procedure to relieve chronic, direct pressure on a nerve to treat nerve entrapment, a pain syndrome characterized by severe chronic pain and muscle weakness. In this way a nerve decompression targets the ...
, a procedure to relieve direct pressure on a nerve
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