reactive
Americanadjective
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tending to react.
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pertaining to or characterized by reaction.
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Electricity. pertaining to or characterized by reactance.
adjective
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readily partaking in chemical reactions
sodium is a reactive metal
free radicals are very reactive
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of, concerned with, or having a reactance
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responsive to stimulus
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(of mental illnesses) precipitated by an external cause
reactive depression
Other Word Forms
- antireactive adjective
- hyperreactive adjective
- nonreactive adjective
- overreactive adjective
- reactively adverb
- reactiveness noun
- reactivity noun
- unreactive adjective
Etymology
Origin of reactive
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In simpler terms, the catalyst carefully manages highly reactive radical intermediates so they drive the desired transformation without causing unwanted side reactions.
From Science Daily
“I’d rather get there honestly and on our own terms than be forced into it reactively,” he wrote.
“I’d rather get there honestly and on our own terms than be forced into it reactively.”
From Barron's
“I’d rather get there honestly and on our own terms than be forced into it reactively,” he added.
From MarketWatch
Chronic wounds often contain high levels of reactive oxygen species, unstable molecules that damage cells and extend inflammation.
From Science Daily
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
