Finesentence logo

Reaction: meaning, definitions and examples

⚡️
Add to dictionary

reaction

 

[ rɪˈækʃən ]

Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

chemical

A process in which substances act mutually on each other and are changed into different substances, or one where a substance changes into different substances.

Synonyms

chemical change, interaction, response

Examples of usage

  • The reaction between sodium and water produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
  • In a combustion reaction, oxygen reacts with a fuel to produce heat and light.
  • The reaction of baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas.
  • The reaction of iron with oxygen forms rust.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional

A response to a situation, event, or stimulus.

Synonyms

attitude, feeling, response

Examples of usage

  • Her reaction to the news was one of shock and disbelief.
  • He had a strong reaction to the medication, experiencing side effects.
Context #3 | Noun

biological

A response of an organism to a stimulus.

Synonyms

defense mechanism, response, response mechanism

Examples of usage

  • The allergic reaction caused her to break out in hives.
  • The fight or flight reaction is a natural response to danger.

Translations

Translations of the word "reaction" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reação

🇮🇳 प्रतिक्रिया

🇩🇪 Reaktion

🇮🇩 reaksi

🇺🇦 реакція

🇵🇱 reakcja

🇯🇵 反応 (はんのう)

🇫🇷 réaction

🇪🇸 reacción

🇹🇷 tepki

🇰🇷 반응 (반응)

🇸🇦 رد فعل

🇨🇿 reakce

🇸🇰 reakcia

🇨🇳 反应 (fǎnyìng)

🇸🇮 reakcija

🇮🇸 viðbrögð

🇰🇿 реакция

🇬🇪 რეაქცია

🇦🇿 reaksiya

🇲🇽 reacción

Etymology

The word 'reaction' originated from the Latin word 'reactio', which means 'action in return'. The concept of reaction has been fundamental in various fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, and psychology. The understanding of reactions has led to advancements in scientific research and technology, as well as in our understanding of human behavior and responses to stimuli.

See also: nonreactive, reactance, reactant, reactions, reactive, reactively, reactivity, unreactive, unreactiveness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,143, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.