opponency

[uh-poh-nuhn-see]

noun

1. an act or instance of opposing.

2. the state of being an opponent.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opponency¹

First recorded in 1720–30; oppon(ent) + -ency

Example Sentences

Two main theories have emerged: the "synergy hypothesis," which suggests dopamine handles short-term rewards while serotonin manages long-term benefits, and the "opponency hypothesis," which proposes the two act as opposing forces balancing our decisions, with dopamine urging immediate action while serotonin counsels patience.

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Here, 'motion opponency' plays a crucial role.

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Inhibition between two oppositely tuned channels, as in motion opponency, is a universal principle of neuronal networks.

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This radial motion opponency generates a balance of excitation and inhibition that makes LPLC2 non-responsive to related patterns of motion such as contraction, wide-field rotation or luminance change.

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But their difference in education, in age, in intellectual aspiration and their opponency in disposition, early converted their union into an intimacy tolerated rather than prized, and entire separation ensued twenty years after.

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