reaction etymology

Etymology

The word "reaction" is derived from the Latin word "reactionem," which means "to act back or against."

Meaning

A reaction is a response or change that occurs in response to a specific action or event. It can refer to:

  • Chemical reaction: A process in which two or more substances combine to form a new substance.
  • Physical reaction: A change in the state or properties of a substance without changing its chemical composition.
  • Biological reaction: A response by a living organism to a stimulus.
  • Psychological reaction: An emotional or behavioral response to an external or internal event.
  • Sociological reaction: A response by a social group or community to a particular phenomenon.

Origin

The concept of reaction is rooted in the ancient Greek idea of "antithesis," which referred to the opposition of two forces or ideas. In the 17th century, the term "reaction" was first used in a scientific context by the chemist Antoine Lavoisier to describe the exchange of substances in a chemical process.

Over time, the term expanded to encompass various types of responses, including physical, biological, and psychological. In the 19th century, sociologists began using the term to describe social and community responses to events and phenomena.

reaction relate terms

  • action

    Etymology Old French action from Latin actio from agere to act Meaning The pro

  • react

    Etymology The word react has its roots in the Latin prefix re meaning back or a

  • reaction

    Etymology The word reaction is derived from the Latin word reactionem which means t

  • reactionary

    Meaning and Origin Reactionary etymology refers to the phenomenon where a word s etymo

  • response

    Etymology The word response is derived from the Latin word responsum which means an

  • rebound

    Etymology The word rebound originates from the Old French verb rebondir meaning to

  • turbine

    Etymology Latin turbo turbinis spinning top whirlwind Greek τύρβη turbē

  • withdrawal

    Etymology The word withdrawal is derived from the Middle English word withdraughte

  • heliograph

    Etymology Greek helios sun graphe writing Meaning A heliograph is a d

  • Fauvist

    Etymology The term Fauvist is derived from the French word fauve which means wild b

  • opposition

    Etymology Greek anti against Latin ponere to place Meaning The state of

  • activity

    Etymology The word activity derives from the Latin word agere meaning to do drive

  • answer

    Etymology Meaning A response to a question or request Origin The word answer come