reactivity

[ ree-ak-tiv-i-tee ]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being reactive.
2. Chemistry. the relative capacity of an atom, molecule, or radical to undergo a chemical reaction with another atom, molecule, or compound.
3. Physics. a measure of the deviation from the condition at which a nuclear reactor is critical.
4. Immunology. the ability of an antigen to combine with an antibody.

Other Words From

• hyper·reac·tivi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of reactivity¹

First recorded in 1885–90; reactive + -ity

Example Sentences

That reactivity paradoxically is what makes its sudden coming and going mysterious.

From The Daily Beast

Well, it's a broad definition, one that was designed to reduce reactivity among respondents.

From The Daily Beast

That it modifies the functions or reactivity of the ultimate constituent groups we have seen from the study of the esters.

From Project Gutenberg

The effects of formolization on the antigenicity and reactivity of proteins are discussed later.

From Project Gutenberg

More than two series, however, resulted in little or no improvement of the reactivity of the antiserum.

From Project Gutenberg

Graphs of precipitin reactions illustrating effects of formalin on antigenicity and reactivity of the extracts.

From Project Gutenberg

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