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

The killer's brother, Dion, was said to have had "limited interaction" with his younger sibling in the years running up to the attack.

From BBC

Joining both a volleyball society and the Formula One society, he says he had positive interactions right from the off.

From BBC

But he told me his first interaction with the Stratford-upon-Avon theatres was as an audience member in 1978 when he was 17.

From BBC

Their daughter, who is enrolled in a charter school independent study program, is unable to have “the typical interactions with children that ‘normal’ children get.

From Los Angeles Times

While his newfound fame has served as a "reality check", opening his eyes to homophobic abuse, he says the majority of interactions have been "overwhelmingly positive".

From BBC

Related Words

• communication 
• cooperation 
• synergy