reaction

reaction is on the Basic English 850 List.

ray - reaction - reading

reaction is on the Academic Word List.

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /riˈækʃən/
• SAMPA: /ri'{kS@n/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular reaction

Plural reactions

1. (countable & uncountable) A reaction is an action that happens because of another action.

   When he asked her to lunch, her first reaction was to say no.

   In part, McKenna sees the move to smaller cars as a natural reaction to rising gasoline prices.

   Fast reaction times are common in athletes.

   When oxygen is added, a chemical reaction begins and heat is released.

   A severe allergic reaction to the drug has killed five Americans.

Synonyms

• response
• reply

Related words

• react
• chain reaction