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reaction time

American  

noun

Psychology.
  1. the interval between stimulation and response.


reaction time British  

noun

  1. physiol another name for latent time

"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

Etymology

Origin of reaction time

First recorded in 1875–80


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.

See Examples For:

The condition could explain why Isak’s knee collapsed, his inability to correct his posture and reduced his reaction time during a fall, Jonathan’s lawyers said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026

A "simplification" of rear light systems to allow "clearer and more consistent visual cues to improve visibility and reaction time for following drivers in poor conditions".

From BBC ● Apr. 20, 2026

But if the exchanges are open when news arrives, reaction time may become more important.

From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2025

It not only got him out of his prime hitting position, but also gave him a fraction-of-a-second less reaction time to read each pitch and make the right swing decision.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2025

Hermann von Helmholtz used one to measure the reaction time of a frog.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

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