interaction

American  

[in-ter-ak-shuhn] / ˌɪn tərˈæk ʃən /

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.

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interaction British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• interactional adjective

Etymology

Origin of interaction

First recorded in 1825–35; inter- + action

Example Sentences

But while the fans enthusiastically supported the players, there was very little interaction between them and the team during the match.

From BBC

Researchers also monitored parenting behaviors such as warmth, listening, patience, and positive emotional interactions, along with children's healthy and unhealthy food intake before and after the intervention.

From Science Daily

You’ll get more genuine interactions with French people and lower prices.

From Barron's

The emitted gamma rays were detected with GRETINA, a high resolution germanium detector array capable of tracking individual gamma ray interactions.

From Science Daily

“You understand this is going to be a negotiation, that the donors have expectations and you have to meet those expectations,” he said, referring to his more commonplace interactions with philanthropists.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• communication
• cooperation
• synergy