1. A failure of compensation in heart disease. 2. The appearance or exacerbation of a mental disorder due to failure of defense mechanisms.
- corneal d. corneal edema resulting from failure of the corneal endothelium to maintain deturgescence.
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de·com·pen·sa·tion (.)dē-.käm-pən-'sā-shən, -pen- n loss of physiological compensation or psychological balance esp inability of the heart to maintain adequate circulation
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de·com·pen·sa·tion (de-kom″pən-saґshən) 1. failure of compensation; cardiac decompensation is marked by dyspnea, venous engorgement, and edema. 2. in psychiatry, failure of defense mechanisms resulting in progressive personality disintegration.Medical dictionary. 2011.