prestress1
/ˈpriːstrɛs/noun
Stress applied to an object during manufacture or prior to some other treatment, usually in order to counteract applied loads.
adjective
Linguistics. Occurring before a stressed syllable.
Origin
1930s. From pre- + stress. With the noun compare prestress.
prestress2
/priːˈstrɛs/verb
[with object] To apply stress to (an object or material) during manufacture or prior to some other treatment, especially so as to counteract applied loads; specifically to reinforce concrete with steel rods or wires which have been tensioned while the concrete is setting.
Origin
1930s. From pre- + stress. Compare prestress.