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

"My father spent time in jail. Almost everybody went to jail... there was a lot of interaction between us and the police."

From Barron's

Much of the material normally needed to form stars, primarily hydrogen gas, was likely stripped away by gravitational interactions with other galaxies in the crowded Perseus cluster.

From Science Daily

It was pink and soft, with a satin edge and an oval stain caused by a regrettable interaction with Silly Putty.

From Los Angeles Times

That is because the brain processes words in constant interaction with what we already know about the world.

From Science Daily

By examining these structural and functional variations, researchers are gaining insight into how giant viruses diversified and how their interactions with host cells may have influenced the evolution of complex eukaryotic life.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• communication
• cooperation
• synergy