interaction

[in-ter-ak-shuh n]

noun

reciprocal action, effect, or influence.

Physics.

the direct effect that one kind of particle has on another, in particular, in inducing the emission or absorption of one particle by another.
the mathematical expression that specifies the nature and strength of this effect.

Origin of interaction

First recorded in 1825–35; inter- + action

Related formsin·ter·ac·tion·al, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for interactional

interaction

noun

a mutual or reciprocal action or influence

physics the transfer of energy between elementary particles, between a particle and a field, or between fieldsSee strong interaction, electromagnetic interaction, fundamental interaction, gravitational interaction, weak interaction, electroweak interaction

Derived Formsinteractional, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for interactional

interaction

1812, from inter- + action.