cross talk

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross talk¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

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

There was so much cross talk and interrupting — by both governors — that it was impossible to hear what they were saying.

From Los Angeles Times