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interference
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8 ENTRIES FOUND:
  1. interference
  2. interference colors
  3. interference figure
  4. interference fringe
  5. interference pattern
  6. interference spectrum
  7. RNA interference
  8. run

in·ter·fer·ence

noun \-ˈfir-ən(t)s\

Definition of INTERFERENCE

1
a : the act or process of interfering
b : something that interferes : obstruction
2
: the mutual effect on meeting of two wave trains (as of light or sound) that constitutes alternating areas of increased and decreased amplitude (as light and dark lines or louder and softer sound)
3
a : the legal blocking of an opponent in football to make way for the ballcarrier
b : the illegal hindering of an opponent in sports
4
: partial or complete inhibition or sometimes facilitation of other genetic crossovers in the vicinity of a chromosomal locus where a preceding crossover has occurred
5
a : confusion of a received radio signal due to the presence of noise (as atmospherics) or signals from two or more transmitters on a single frequency
b : something that produces such confusion
6
: the disturbing effect of new learning on the performance of previously learned behavior with which it is inconsistent
— in·ter·fer·en·tial \-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl, -ˌfir-ˈen(t)-\ adjective
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Examples of INTERFERENCE

  1. We had to put up with loud noise and constant interference from the neighbors.
  2. interference in the affairs of another nation
  3. trying to avoid governmental interference
  4. It was hard to hear the radio program because of all the interference.
  5. The TV picture had a lot of interference.
  6. a hockey player receiving a penalty for interference

First Known Use of INTERFERENCE

1783

Related to INTERFERENCE

Synonyms
balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, encumbrance, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel

in·ter·fer·ence

noun \-ˈfir-ən(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of INTERFERENCE

1
: the act or process of interfering
2
: the mutual effect on meeting of two wave trains (as of light or sound) that constitutes alternating areas of increased and decreased amplitude (as light and dark lines or louder and softer sound)
3
: partial or complete inhibition or sometimes facilitation of other genetic crossovers in the vicinity of a chromosomal locus where a preceding crossover has occurred
4
: the disturbing effect of new learning on the performance of previously learned behavior with which it is inconsistent—compare negative transfer
5
: prevention of typical growth and development of a virus in a suitable host by the presence of another virus in the same host individual—see interference phenomenon

interference

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In physics, the net effect of combining two or more wave trains moving on intersecting or coincident paths. Constructive interference occurs if two components have the same frequency and phase; the wave amplitudes are reinforced. Destructive interference occurs when the two waves are out of phase by one-half period (see periodic motion); if the waves are of equal amplitude, they cancel each other. Two waves moving in the same direction but having slightly different frequencies interfere constructively at regular intervals, resulting in a pulsating frequency called a beat. Two waves traveling in opposite directions but having equal frequencies interfere constructively in some places and destructively in others, resulting in a standing wave.

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