1. 1. The act of remitting.
   2. A condition or period in which something is remitted.
2. A lessening of intensity or degree; abatement.
3. 1. Medicine. Abatement or subsiding of the symptoms of a disease.
   2. The period during which the symptoms of a disease abate or subside.
4. 1. Release, as from a debt, penalty, or obligation.
   2. Forgiveness; pardon.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin remissiō, remissiōn-, from remissus, past participle of remittere, to let go. See remit.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.