cross talk

American  

Or cross-talk,

noun

1. interference heard on a telephone or radio because of unintentional coupling to another communication channel.

2. incidental conversation; chatter, as opposed to formal discussion.

   The meeting was slowed by cross talk between board members.

3. British. witty, fast-paced dialogue, especially in a play, comic act, etc.; repartee.

---

Etymology

Origin of cross talk

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The assembly was an organized affair, with each woman snapping a glowstick around their neck after they’ve “spoken their truth” and a Barbie named Eve, who acted as the “talking stick,” was passed around to avoid cross talk.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the frequent cross talk, the tone overall was rather cordial.

From BBC

The paper explains the mechanism of "cross talk" between two cellular pathways, one initiated by proteins known as growth factors and by their cellular receptors.

From Science Daily

"Blocking proteasomes seems to have an activity-modulatory effect across all the cells, despite being expressed in a subpopulation, suggesting that proteasomes facilitate a kind of cross talk between these cells," says Margolis.

From Science Daily

Their workplace cross talk and byplay are both hilarious, making this Manhattan Theater Club production, directed by Whitney White, a kind of “Cheers” for today and a comic highlight of the season.

From New York Times