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View synonyms for reactive

reactive

[ ree-ak-tiv ]

adjective

  1. tending to react.
  2. pertaining to or characterized by reaction.
  3. Electricity. pertaining to or characterized by reactance.


reactive

/ rɪˈæktɪv; ˌriːækˈtɪvɪtɪ /

adjective

  1. readily partaking in chemical reactions

    free radicals are very reactive

    sodium is a reactive metal

  2. of, concerned with, or having a reactance
  3. responsive to stimulus
  4. (of mental illnesses) precipitated by an external cause

    reactive depression

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • reˈactively, adverb
  • reactivity, noun
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Other Words From

  • re·active·ly adverb
  • re·active·ness noun
  • anti·re·active adjective
  • hyper·re·active adjective
  • nonre·active adjective
  • over·re·active adjective
  • unre·active adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of reactive1

First recorded in 1705–15; react + -ive
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Example Sentences

However, even though it is necessary to maintain cell functions, oxygen also causes oxidative stress by forming free radicals, reactive molecules that endanger the cell.

"Molecular metal hydrides can be reactive and have low stability," Rohde said.

"Locking these kids up is just a reactive way to go about it," says Darren Damaso, a youth leader for Brother 2 Another.

From BBC

Burgos said that, for her, abolition means moving away from “reactive” law enforcement responses and toward expanded social services, such as job training, job placements and mental health care.

By bonding, the medicine transforms the reactive metals into benign molecules that have little interest in interacting with different compounds in the body.

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reactivatereactive component