reactivity
reactivity Lexical Profile
reactivity Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The relative capacity or tendency of an atom, molecule, or substance to undergo a chemical reaction with another substance or by itself.
"Alkali metals like sodium and potassium must be stored under mineral oil because of their high reactivity with moisture in the air."
The quality or state of responding readily to a stimulus, change, or external influence, especially emotionally or physiologically.
"Mindfulness training helps individuals lower their emotional reactivity during stressful workplace negotiations."
In psychology and behavioral research, the phenomenon whereby individuals alter their behavior or performance due to the awareness that they are being observed.
"To minimize participant reactivity, the researchers used unobtrusive cameras rather than sitting in the classroom with clipboards."
In nuclear physics, a measure of the departure of a nuclear reactor from its critical state, indicating whether the chain reaction is increasing, steady, or decreasing.
"Control rods are inserted into the core to absorb neutrons and maintain negative reactivity during a reactor shutdown."
• Rhymes for reactivity
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-19th century from the adjective 'reactive' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ity', ultimately tracing back to the Latin root 'agere' meaning 'to do, drive, or set in motion'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.