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

Below is a timeline of key observations by local authorities, who also cite their regular interactions with the Federal Protective Service, a Homeland Security division that was at the facility.

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For an in-person conversation, this response violates social convention, but for an online interaction, it is commonplace.

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What kind of support do you provide both on-site and from a remote monitoring perspective, and how seamless are those interactions with the customers?

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Those chains and others, like Dunkin’, are making a different bet: that shoppers prioritize speed and price over interaction and ambience, challenging Starbucks with their approach.

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This models learning and forgetting as a result of interaction with the environment.

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Related Words

• communication 
• cooperation 
• synergy