interaction
Americannoun
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reciprocal action, effect, or influence.
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Physics.
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the direct effect that one kind of particle has on another, in particular, in inducing the emission or absorption of one particle by another.
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the mathematical expression that specifies the nature and strength of this effect.
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noun
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a mutual or reciprocal action or influence
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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
Etymology
Origin of interaction
Explanation
If you interact with someone — by talking, looking, sharing, or engaging in any kind of action that involves the two of you — you can be said to have had an interaction with that person. Interaction comes from Latin inter meaning "between," and ago meaning "to do" or "to act" — any “action between” is considered an interaction, like the interaction between a teacher and a student, two countries, or even baking soda and vinegar (boom!).
Vocabulary lists containing interaction
Power Prefix: inter-
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Common Core Grade 6, List 1
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Common Core Grades 7–8, List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“The pole at issue is compliant with avian safe guidance, as established by the Avian Powerline Interaction Committee,” Matt Nauman, a PG&E spokesperson, said in a media statement.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2025
"Interaction was completely restricted, and our posts stopped reaching people," says Tariq Ziad, a journalist at the channel.
From BBC • Dec. 17, 2024
Interaction with Hamas “has always been on a technical nature,” he said.
From New York Times • Feb. 10, 2024
The team led by Dr. Suphansa Sawamiphak, head of the Cardiovascular-Hematopoietic Interaction Lab at the Max Delbrück Center, is looking at the process from a different angle.
From Science Daily • Nov. 17, 2023
The relations of mind and brain: Interaction of mind and brain—The brain as the mind's machine.
From The Mind and Its Education by Betts, George Herbert
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
