Definition

Noun: 1. The quality or state of being reactive; ready susceptibility to chemical change. This refers to the tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical reaction with other substances. 2. Responsiveness to stimulation. This refers to the degree or manner in which a person, system, or thing reacts to an external stimulus or influence.

Usage and Examples

• Chemical Context:
  • The high reactivity of sodium metal requires it to be stored under oil to prevent contact with air or water.
  • Chemists study the reactivity of different elements to predict the outcomes of reactions.
• Psychological/Behavioral Context:
  • The child's emotional reactivity was high, meaning she had strong, immediate responses to minor frustrations.
  • The study measured the skin's reactivity to allergens.

Advanced Usage

• "Differential reactivity": Refers to varying responses under different conditions or by different components.
  • The test showed differential reactivity of the antibody to the two virus strains.
• Used in phrases describing the nature of the response, such as "heightened reactivity", "low reactivity", or "specific reactivity".

Variants and Related Words

• Reactive (adj): Showing a response to a stimulus; having a tendency to react chemically.
  • Reactive chemicals must be handled with care.
  • He adopted a reactive strategy, only responding to problems as they arose.
• Hyperreactivity (n): An abnormally high or excessive degree of reactivity.
  • Bronchial hyperreactivity is a feature of asthma.

Synonyms

• Responsiveness: The quality of reacting quickly and positively.
• Sensitivity: The capacity to detect or respond to slight changes, stimuli, or influences.
• Susceptibility: The state of being likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.

Antonyms

• Inertness: Lack of chemical reactivity; inactivity.
• Unresponsiveness: Not reacting or responding to stimuli.
• Stability: The state of being chemically unreactive or not easily changed.

Noun

1. ready susceptibility to chemical change
2. responsive to stimulation