Definition of reaction
- n. - Any action in resisting other action or force; counter
tendency; movement in a contrary direction; reverse action.
- n. - The mutual or reciprocal action of chemical agents upon
each other, or the action upon such chemical agents of some form of
energy, as heat, light, or electricity, resulting in a chemical change
in one or more of these agents, with the production of new compounds or
the manifestation of distinctive characters. See Blowpipe reaction,
Flame reaction, under Blowpipe, and Flame.
- n. - An action induced by vital resistance to some other
action; depression or exhaustion of vital force consequent on
overexertion or overstimulation; heightened activity and overaction
succeeding depression or shock.
- n. - The force which a body subjected to the action of a force
from another body exerts upon the latter body in the opposite
direction.
- n. - Backward tendency or movement after revolution, reform,
or great progress in any direction.