interaction

[in-ter-ak-shuhn]

noun

1. reciprocal action, effect, or influence.

2. Physics.

   1. the direct effect that one kind of particle has on another, in particular, in inducing the emission or absorption of one particle by another.

   2. the mathematical expression that specifies the nature and strength of this effect.

interaction

/ ˌɪntərˈækʃən /

noun

1. a mutual or reciprocal action or influence

2. physics the transfer of energy between elementary particles, between a particle and a field, or between fields See strong interaction electromagnetic interaction fundamental interaction gravitational interaction weak interaction electroweak interaction

Other Word Forms

• interactional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of interaction¹

First recorded in 1825–35; inter- + action

Example Sentences

No single robot is in charge, but the swarm accomplishes complex tasks through simple interactions between neighbors.

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She praised the operator for his handling of their interaction.

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According to this theory, electrons move without resistance because of interactions with vibrations in the atomic lattice, called phonons.

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FanDuel Sports Network broadcast the interaction between Edwards and the fan, and video clips of it have been circulating on social media.

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The people in the Blue Jays’ organization who contributed to Yesavage’s supersonic rise tell stories about their brief interactions with him as if they are recounting the origin of a veteran ace in his twilight.

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Related Words

• communication 
• cooperation 
• synergy