action
An action is a thing that is done, and not merely thought or spoken about. Possible actions could range from blinking to invading a country.
Action comes from agere, the Latin verb meaning “to do.” Legal action is the initiation of a lawsuit to demand your rights. In war, a soldier working in the kitchen is on cooking duty, while the soldier on the frontline sees a lot of action. Action movies are so called because they are full of fast-paced sequences. If you are sitting on your couch, mulling over your lack of exercise, maybe it’s time to take action.
Definitions of action
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something done (usually as opposed to something said)
“there were stories of murders and other unnatural
actions”-
types:
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thing
an action
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benignity, kindness
a kind act
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accomplishment, achievement
the action of accomplishing something
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alienation
the action of alienating; the action of causing to become unfriendly
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application
the action of putting something into operation
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res gestae
things done
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course, course of action
a mode of action
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interaction
a mutual or reciprocal action; interacting
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fetch
the action of fetching
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playing
the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation
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play, swordplay
the act using a sword (or other weapon) vigorously and skillfully
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arrival
the act of arriving at a certain place
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carrying into action, carrying out, execution, performance
the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it
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choice, option, pick, selection
the act of choosing or selecting
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change
the action of changing something
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economy, saving
an act of economizing; reduction in cost
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forbiddance, inhibition, prohibition
the action of prohibiting or inhibiting or forbidding (or an instance thereof)
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opposition, resistance
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
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bruxism
involuntarily or unconsciously clenching or grinding the teeth, typically during sleep
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transfusion
the action of pouring a liquid from one vessel to another
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pickings, taking
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
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transgression
the action of going beyond or overstepping some boundary or limit
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aggression, hostility
violent action that is hostile and usually unprovoked
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destabilisation, destabilization
the action of destabilizing; making something less stable (especially of a government or country or economy)
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employment, engagement
the act of giving someone a job
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civility, politeness
the act of showing regard for others
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reverence
an act showing respect (especially a bow or curtsy)
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consultation, reference
the act of referring or consulting
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accenting, accentuation, emphasizing
the act of giving special importance or significance to something
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beatification
the action of rendering supremely blessed and extremely happy
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jump-start, jumpstart
starting an automobile engine that has a weak battery by means of jumper cables to another car
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stupefaction
the action of stupefying; making dull or lethargic
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vampirism
the actions or practices of a vampire
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beachhead, foothold
an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further developments
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cakewalk
an easy accomplishment
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effort, exploit, feat
a notable achievement
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masterpiece
an outstanding achievement
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masterstroke
an achievement demonstrating great skill or mastery
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credit
used in the phrase `to your credit’ in order to indicate an achievement deserving praise
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blind alley
(figurative) a course of action that is unproductive and offers no hope of improvement
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collision course
a course of action (following a given idea) that will lead to conflict if it continues unabated
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interplay
reciprocal action and reaction
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contact
close interaction
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give-and-take, interchange, reciprocation
mutual interaction; the activity of reciprocating or exchanging (especially information)
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bowling
the playing of a game of tenpins or duckpins etc
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performance
any recognized accomplishment
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record, track record
the sum of recognized accomplishments
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accomplished fact, fait accompli
an irreversible accomplishment
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going, sledding
advancing toward a goal
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arrival, reaching
accomplishment of an objective
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entering, entrance, entry, incoming, ingress
the act of entering
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entail
the act of entailing property; the creation of a fee tail from a fee simple
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appearance
the act of appearing in public view
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homecoming, return
a coming to or returning home
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anchorage
the act of anchoring
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dockage, docking, moorage, tying up
the act of securing an arriving vessel with ropes
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landing
the act of coming to land after a voyage
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landing
the act of coming down to the earth (or other surface)
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close call, close shave, narrow escape, squeak, squeaker
something achieved (or escaped) by a narrow margin
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attainment
the act of achieving an aim
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freeing, liberation, release
the act of liberating someone or something
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specific performance
the performance of a legal contract as specified by its terms
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linguistic performance
(linguistics) a speaker’s actual use of language in real situations; what the speaker actually says, including grammatical errors and other non-linguistic features such as hesitations and other disfluencies (contrasted with linguistic competence)
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mechanics, mechanism
the technical aspects of doing something
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catching
(baseball) playing the position of catcher on a baseball team
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golfing
playing golf
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pitching
(baseball) playing the position of pitcher on a baseball team
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base on balls, pass, walk
(baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls
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check-in
the act of reporting your presence (as at an airport or a hotel)
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casting
the choice of actors to play particular roles in a play or movie
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coloration, colouration
choice and use of colors (as by an artist)
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sampling
(statistics) the selection of a suitable sample for study
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conclusion, decision, determination
the act of making up your mind about something
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volition, willing
the act of making a choice
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about-face, policy change, reversal, volte-face
a major change in attitude or principle or point of view
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adulteration
the act of adulterating (especially the illicit substitution of one substance for another)
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move, relocation
the act of changing your residence or place of business
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downshift
a change to a lower gear in a car or bicycle
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downshift
a change from a financially rewarding but stressful career to a less well paid but more fulfilling one
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election
the act of selecting someone or something; the exercise of deliberate choice
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ballot, balloting, vote, voting
a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
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filtration
the act of changing a fluid by passing it through a filter
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reduction, simplification
the act of reducing complexity
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curtailment, downsizing, retrenchment
the reduction of expenditures in order to become financially stable
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economy of scale
the saving in cost of production that is due to mass production
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decimalisation, decimalization
the act of changing to a decimal system
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metrication, metrification
the act of changing from imperial units of measurement to metric units: meters, grams, seconds
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variation
the act of changing or altering something slightly but noticeably from the norm or standard
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turning
act of changing in practice or custom
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diversification, variegation
the act of introducing variety (especially in investments or in the variety of goods and services offered)
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flux
constant change
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shift, switch, switching
the act of changing one thing or position for another
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commutation, exchange, substitution
the act of putting one thing or person in the place of another: “he sent Smith in for Jones but the substitution came too late to help”
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promotion
the act of raising in rank or position
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demotion
act of lowering in rank or position
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change of state
the act of changing something into something different in essential characteristics
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adjustment, alteration, modification
the act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment)
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lockout
a management action resisting employee’s demands; employees are barred from entering the workplace until they agree to terms
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reaction
doing something in opposition to another way of doing it that you don’t like
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motion, move, movement
the act of changing location from one place to another
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movement
the act of changing the location of something
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motility, motion, move, movement
a change of position that does not entail a change of location
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change of direction, reorientation
the act of changing the direction in which something is oriented
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change of magnitude
the act of changing the amount or size of something
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change of integrity
the act of changing the unity or wholeness of something
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conversion
the act of changing from one use or function or purpose to another
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updating
the act of changing something to bring it up to date (usually by adding something)
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change of shape
an action that changes the shape of something
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path, way, way of life
a course of conduct
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officiation
the performance of a religious or ceremonial or public duty
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haymaking
taking full advantage of an opportunity while it lasts
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anti-takeover defense
resistance to or defense against a hostile takeover
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decantation
the act of gently pouring off a clear liquor (as from its original bottle) without disturbing the lees
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meat grinder
any action resulting in injury or destruction
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force, violence
an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
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pillage, pillaging, plundering
the act of stealing valuable things from a place
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satisfaction
act of fulfilling a desire or need or appetite
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nationalisation, nationalization
the action of rendering national in character
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communisation, communization
a change from private property to public property owned by the community
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secularisation, secularization
the activity of changing something (art or education or society or morality etc.) so it is no longer under the control or influence of religion
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rollover
the act of changing the institution that invests your pension plan without incurring a tax penalty
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fencing
the art or sport of fighting with swords (especially the use of foils or epees or sabres to score points under a set of rules)
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shape-up
a way of hiring longshoremen by the day; applicants gather around a union boss who selects those to be hired
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call-back
the recall of an employee after a layoff
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booking, reservation
the act of reserving (a place or passage) or engaging the services of (a person or group)
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benefaction, benevolence
an act intending or showing kindness and good will
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cupboard love
a show of affection motivated by selfishness
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favor, favour
an act of gracious kindness
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forgiveness, pardon
the act of excusing a mistake or offense
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endearment
the act of showing affection
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courtesy
a courteous or respectful or considerate act
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deference, respect
a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
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devoir
formal expression of respect
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consideration, thoughtfulness
a considerate and thoughtful act
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face saver, face saving
an act that avoids a loss of face (of dignity or prestige)
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enlisting, recruitment
the act of getting recruits; enlisting people for the army (or for a job or a cause etc.)
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smooth
the act of smoothing
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bow, bowing, obeisance
bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
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curtsey, curtsy
bending the knees; a gesture of respect made by women
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type of:
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act, deed, human action, human activity
something that people do or cause to happen
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the state of being active
“he is out of
action”-
synonyms:
activeness, activity-
Antonyms:
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inaction, inactiveness, inactivity
the state of being inactive
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types:
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agency
the state of being in action or exerting power
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busyness, hum
the state of being or appearing to be actively engaged in an activity
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behavior, behaviour
the action or reaction of something (as a machine or substance) under specified circumstances
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eructation, eruption, extravasation
(of volcanos) pouring out fumes or lava (or a deposit so formed)
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operation
the state of being in effect or being operative
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overdrive
the state of high or excessive activity or productivity or concentration
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play
a state in which action is feasible
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swing
a state of steady vigorous action that is characteristic of an activity
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Frankenstein
an agency that escapes control and destroys its creator
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commission
the state of being in good working order and ready for operation
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running
the state of being in operation
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idle
the state of an engine or other mechanism that is idling
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type of:
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state
the way something is with respect to its main attributes
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inaction, inactiveness, inactivity
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the trait of being active and energetic and forceful
“a man of
action”-
type of:
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drive
the trait of being highly motivated
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drive
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a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)
“the
action of natural forces”-
synonyms:
activity, natural action, natural process-
types:
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radiation
the spread of a group of organisms into new habitats
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absorption
(physics) the process in which incident radiated energy is retained without reflection or transmission on passing through a medium
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acidification
the process of becoming acid or being converted into an acid
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adiabatic process
(thermodynamics) any process that occurs without gain or loss of heat
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aeration
the process of exposing to air (so as to purify)
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antiredeposition
the process of preventing redeposition
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capture
any process in which an atomic or nuclear system acquires an additional particle
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capture
a process whereby a star or planet holds an object in its gravitational field
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centrifugation
the process of separating substances of different densities by the use of a centrifuge
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chemical action, chemical change, chemical process
(chemistry) any process determined by the atomic and molecular composition and structure of the substances involved
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chromatography
a process used for separating mixtures by virtue of differences in absorbency
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concretion
the formation of stonelike objects within a body organ (e.g., the kidneys)
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condensation
the process of changing from a gaseous to a liquid or solid state
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convection
(meteorology) the vertical movement of heat or other properties by massive motion within the atmosphere
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clotting, coagulation, curdling
the process of forming semisolid lumps in a liquid
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decay
the process of gradually becoming inferior
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demagnetisation, demagnetization
the process of removing magnetization
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desorption
changing from an adsorbed state on a surface to a gaseous or liquid state
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diffusion
(physics) the process in which there is movement of a substance from an area of high concentration of that substance to an area of lower concentration
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disintegration, dissolution
separation into component parts
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distillation, distillment
the process of purifying a liquid by boiling it and condensing its vapors
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drift
the gradual departure from an intended course due to external influences (as a ship or plane)
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effervescence
the process of bubbling as gas escapes
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cataphoresis, dielectrolysis, electrophoresis, ionophoresis
the motion of charged particles in a colloid under the influence of an electric field; particles with a positive charge go to the cathode and negative to the anode
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ecesis, establishment
(ecology) the process by which a plant or animal becomes established in a new habitat
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extinction
the reduction of the intensity of radiation as a consequence of absorption and radiation
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extraction
the process of obtaining something from a mixture or compound by chemical or physical or mechanical means
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feedback
the process in which part of the output of a system is returned to its input in order to regulate its further output
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filtration
the process whereby fluids pass through a filter or a filtering medium
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flocculation
the process of flocculating; forming woolly cloudlike aggregations
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flow
any uninterrupted stream or discharge
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formation
natural process that causes something to form
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fossilisation, fossilization
the process of fossilizing a plant or animal that existed in some earlier age; the process of being turned to stone
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geologic process, geological process
(geology) a natural process whereby geological features are modified
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curing, hardening, set, solidification, solidifying
the process of becoming hard or solid by cooling or drying or crystallization
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inactivation
the process of rendering inactive
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ion exchange
a process in which ions are exchanged between a solution and an insoluble (usually resinous) solid; widely used in industrial processing
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ionisation, ionization
the process of ionizing; the formation of ions by separating atoms or molecules or radicals or by adding or subtracting electrons from atoms by strong electric fields in a gas
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leach, leaching
the process of leaching
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magnetic induction, magnetisation, magnetization
the process that makes a substance magnetic (temporarily or permanently)
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materialisation, materialization
the process of coming into being; becoming reality
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nuclear reaction
(physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei
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opacification
the process of becoming cloudy or opaque
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oscillation
the process of oscillating between states
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oxygenation
the process of providing or combining or treating with oxygen
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pair creation, pair formation, pair production
the transformation of a gamma-ray photon into an electron and a positron when the photon passes close to an atomic nucleus
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phase change, phase transition, physical change, state change
a change from one state (solid or liquid or gas) to another without a change in chemical composition
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precession of the equinoxes
a slow westward shift of the equinoxes along the plane of the ecliptic caused by precession of the Earth’s axis of rotation
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release
a process that liberates or discharges something
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saltation
(geology) the leaping movement of sand or soil particles as they are transported in a fluid medium over an uneven surface
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scattering
the physical process in which particles are deflected haphazardly as a result of collisions
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sericulture
raising silkworms in order to obtain raw silk
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sink
(technology) a process that acts to absorb or remove energy or a substance from a system
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soak, soakage, soaking
the process of becoming softened and saturated as a consequence of being immersed in water (or other liquid)
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softening
the process of becoming softer
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sorption
the process in which one substance takes up or holds another (by either absorption or adsorption)
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source
(technology) a process by which energy or a substance enters a system
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rigidification, rigidifying, stiffening
the process of becoming stiff or rigid
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stimulation
(physiology) the effect of a stimulus (on nerves or organs etc.)
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ecological succession, succession
(ecology) the gradual and orderly process of change in an ecosystem brought about by the progressive replacement of one community by another until a stable climax is established
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natural selection, selection, survival, survival of the fittest
a natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment
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synergism, synergy
the working together of two things (muscles or drugs for example) to produce an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects
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temperature change
a process whereby the degree of hotness of a body (or medium) changes
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transduction
the process whereby a transducer accepts energy in one form and gives back related energy in a different form
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transpiration
the passage of gases through fine tubes because of differences in pressure or temperature
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vitrification
the process of becoming vitreous
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heat sink
a metal conductor specially designed to conduct (and radiate) heat
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adaptive radiation
the development of many different forms from an originally homogeneous group of organisms as they fill different ecological niches
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airstream, backwash, race, slipstream, wash
the flow of air that is driven backwards by an aircraft propeller
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turbulent flow
flow in which the velocity at any point varies erratically
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streamline flow
flow of a gas or liquid in which the velocity at any point is relatively steady
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absorption, soaking up
(chemistry) a process in which one substance permeates another; a fluid permeates or is dissolved by a liquid or solid
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activation
stimulation of activity in an organism or chemical
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acylation
the process of introducing an acyl group into a compound
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adsorption, surface assimilation
the accumulation of molecules of a gas to form a thin film on the surface of a solid
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advection
(meteorology) the horizontal transfer of heat or other atmospheric properties
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agglutinating activity, agglutination
the coalescing of small particles that are suspended in solution; these larger masses are then (usually) precipitated
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alluvion
gradual formation of new land, by recession of the sea or deposit of sediment
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amylolysis
conversion of starch to sugar
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association
(chemistry) any process of combination (especially in solution) that depends on relatively weak chemical bonding
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blood clotting, blood coagulation
a process in which liquid blood is changed into a semisolid mass (a blood clot)
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blueing, bluing
a process that makes something blue (or bluish)
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calcification
a process that impregnates something with calcium (or calcium salts)
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catalysis, contact action
acceleration of a chemical reaction induced the presence of material that is chemically unchanged at the end of the reaction
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caries, cavity, dental caries, tooth decay
soft decayed area in a tooth; progressive decay can lead to the death of a tooth
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chain reaction
a self-sustaining nuclear reaction; a series of nuclear fissions in which neutrons released by splitting one atom leads to the splitting of others
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chelation
the process of forming a ring by forming one or more hydrogen bonds
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chemical reaction, reaction
(chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others
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chlorination
the addition or substitution of chlorine in organic compounds
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cleavage
the breaking of a chemical bond in a molecule resulting in smaller molecules
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climate change, global climate change
a change in the world’s climate
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column chromatography
chromatography that uses selective adsorption by a column of powders
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congealment, congelation
the process of congealing; solidification by (or as if by) freezing
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convection
the transfer of heat through a fluid (liquid or gas) caused by molecular motion
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chilling, cooling, temperature reduction
the process of becoming cooler; a falling temperature
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corroding, corrosion, erosion
erosion by chemical action
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corruption
decay of matter (as by rot or oxidation)
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cracking
the process whereby heavy molecules of naphtha or petroleum are broken down into hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight (especially in the oil-refining process)
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deamination, deaminization
removal of the amino radical from an amino acid or other amino compound
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decalcification
loss of calcium from bones or teeth
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decarboxylation
the process of removing a carboxyl group from a chemical compound (usually replacing it with hydrogen)
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decay, disintegration, radioactive decay
the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
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decoction
(pharmacology) the extraction of water-soluble drug substances by boiling
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decomposition, putrefaction, rot, rotting
(biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
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degaussing
the process of making a (steel) ship’s hull nonmagnetic by producing an opposing magnetic field
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dehydration, desiccation, drying up, evaporation
the process of extracting moisture
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de-iodination
the removal of iodine atoms from organic compounds
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demineralisation, demineralization
the removal of minerals and mineral salts from a liquid (especially from water)
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desalination, desalinisation, desalinization
the removal of salt (especially from sea water)
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desertification
the gradual transformation of habitable land into desert; is usually caused by climate change or by destructive use of the land
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diastrophism
the process of deformation that produces continents and ocean basins in the earth’s crust
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digestion
the process of decomposing organic matter (as in sewage) by bacteria or by chemical action or heat
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dilapidation, ruin
the process of becoming dilapidated
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dissociation
(chemistry) the temporary or reversible process in which a molecule or ion is broken down into smaller molecules or ions
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elution
the process of extracting one material from another by washing with a solvent to remove adsorbed material from an adsorbent (as in washing of loaded ion-exchange resins to remove captured ions); used to obtain uranium ions
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emission
the release of electrons from parent atoms
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endoergic reaction
a nuclear reaction occurring with absorption of energy
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eating away, eroding, erosion, wearing, wearing away
(geology) the mechanical process of wearing or grinding something down (as by particles washing over it)
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exoergic reaction
a nuclear reaction accompanied by the evolution of energy
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fibrinolysis
a normal ongoing process that dissolves fibrin and results in the removal of small blood clots
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filling
flow into something (as a container)
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fission, nuclear fission
a nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
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flowage
gradual internal motion or deformation of a solid body (as by heat)
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fold, folding
a geological process that causes a bend in a stratum of rock
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freeze, freezing
the withdrawal of heat to change something from a liquid to a solid
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fusion, nuclear fusion, nuclear fusion reaction
a nuclear reaction in which nuclei combine to form more massive nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
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galvanisation, galvanization
stimulation with a galvanic current
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gasification
the process of changing into gas
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gassing
the process of interacting with gas
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glaciation
the process of covering the earth with glaciers or masses of ice
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heating, warming
the process of becoming warmer; a rising temperature
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hydrogenation
a chemical process that adds hydrogen atoms to an unsaturated oil
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immunoelectrophoresis
electrophoresis to separate antigens and antibodies
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encrustation, incrustation
the formation of a crust
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inflow, influx
the process of flowing in
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infusion
the process of extracting certain active properties (as a drug from a plant) by steeping or soaking (usually in water)
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intrusion
the forcing of molten rock into fissures or between strata of an earlier rock formation
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intumescence, intumescency, swelling
the increase in volume of certain substances when they are heated (often accompanied by release of water)
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inversion
a chemical process in which the direction of optical rotation of a substance is reversed from dextrorotatory to levorotary or vice versa
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iodination
the substitution or addition of iodine atoms in organic compounds
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leeway
(of a ship or plane) sideways drift
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libration
(astronomy) a real or apparent slow oscillation of a moon or satellite
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liquefaction
the conversion of a solid or a gas into a liquid
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lysis
(biochemistry) dissolution or destruction of cells such as blood cells or bacteria
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maceration
softening due to soaking or steeping
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chemical mechanism, mechanism
the atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction
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metamorphism
change in the structure of rock by natural agencies such as pressure or heat or introduction of new chemical substances
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microphoning
the transduction of sound waves into electrical waves (by a microphone)
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beneficiation, mineral dressing, mineral extraction, mineral processing, ore dressing, ore processing
crushing and separating ore into valuable substances or waste by any of a variety of techniques
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negative feedback
feedback in opposite phase with (decreasing) the input
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nitrification
the chemical process in which a nitro group is added to an organic compound (or substituted for another group in an organic compound)
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orogeny
the process of mountain formation (especially by the upward displacement of the earth’s crust)
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osmosis
(biology, chemistry) diffusion of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until the concentration on both sides is equal
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effluence, efflux, outflow
the process of flowing out
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paper chromatography
chromatography that uses selective adsorption on a strip of paper
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carrier electrophoresis, paper electrophoresis
electrophoresis carried out on filter paper
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peptisation, peptization
the process of converting to a sol; bringing to a colloidal solution
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infiltration, percolation
the slow passage of a liquid through a filtering medium
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permeation, pervasion, suffusion
the process of permeating or infusing something with a substance
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petrifaction, petrification
the process of turning some plant material into stone by infiltration with water carrying mineral particles without changing the original shape
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photosynthesis
synthesis of compounds with the aid of radiant energy (especially in plants)
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polymerisation, polymerization
a chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer or polymeric compound
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positive feedback, regeneration
feedback in phase with (augmenting) the input
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potentiation
(medicine) the synergistic effect of two drugs given simultaneously
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precipitation
the process of forming a chemical precipitate
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proteolysis
the hydrolysis of proteins into peptides and amino acids by cleavage of their peptide bonds
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pyrochemical process, pyrochemistry
processes for chemical reactions at high temperatures
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reticulation
(photography) the formation of a network of cracks or wrinkles in a photographic emulsion
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rigor mortis
muscular stiffening that begins 2 to 4 hours after death and lasts for about 4 days
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sequestration
the action of forming a chelate or other stable compound with an ion or atom or molecule so that it is no longer available for reactions
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origin
the source of something’s existence or from which it derives or is derived
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spallation
(physics) a nuclear reaction in which a bombarded nucleus breaks up into many particles
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spoilage, spoiling
the process of becoming spoiled
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stratification
forming or depositing in layers
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subduction
a geological process in which one edge of a crustal plate is forced sideways and downward into the mantle below another plate
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synaeresis, syneresis
the separation of liquid from a gel that is caused by contraction (as in cheese making)
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synthesis
the process of producing a chemical compound (usually by the union of simpler chemical compounds)
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melt, melting, thaw, thawing
the process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid
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thermocoagulation
congealing tissue by heat (as by electric current)
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transamination
the process of transfering an amino group from one compound to another
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transamination
the process of transposing an amino group within a chemical compound
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transport
an exchange of molecules (and their kinetic energy and momentum) across the boundary between adjacent layers of a fluid or across cell membranes
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ultracentrifugation
centrifugation at very high speeds
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evaporation, vapor, vaporisation, vaporization, vapour
the process of becoming a vapor
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ferment, fermentation, fermenting, zymolysis, zymosis
a process in which an agent causes an organic substance to break down into simpler substances; especially, the anaerobic breakdown of sugar into alcohol
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fracking
a method of extracting natural gas or oil from rock by injecting liquid at high pressure
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type of:
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physical process, process
a sustained phenomenon or one marked by gradual changes through a series of states
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the most important or interesting work or activity in a specific area or field
“the
action is no longer in technology stocks but in municipal bonds”“gawkers always try to get as close to the
action as possible”-
type of:
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work
activity directed toward making or doing something
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work
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a military engagement
“he saw
action in Korea”-
synonyms:
military action-
types:
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amphibious landing
a military action of coordinated land, sea, and air forces organized for an invasion
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battle, conflict, engagement, fight
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
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blockade, encirclement
a war measure that isolates some area of importance to the enemy
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defence, defense, defensive measure
(military) military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies
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EW, electronic warfare
military action involving the use of electromagnetic energy to determine or exploit or reduce or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum
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police action
a local military action without declaration of war; against violators of international peace and order
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resistance
the military action of resisting the enemy’s advance
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saber rattling, sabre rattling
the ostentatious display of military power (with the implied threat that it might be used)
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sally, sortie
a military action in which besieged troops burst forth from their position
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war, warfare
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
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umbrella
a formation of military planes maintained over ground operations or targets
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limited war
a war whose objective is less than the unconditional defeat of the enemy
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psychological warfare, war of nerves
the use of psychological tactics to destroy the opponents’ morale
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Armageddon
any catastrophically destructive battle
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pitched battle
a fierce battle fought in close combat between troops in predetermined positions at a chosen time and place
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naval battle
a pitched battle between naval fleets
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air defense
defensive measures designed to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles or to nullify their effectiveness
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stand
a defensive effort
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hasty defence, hasty defense
a defense organized while in contact with the enemy or when time is limited
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deliberate defence, deliberate defense
a defense organized before contact is made with the enemy and while time for organization is available; usually includes a fortified zone (with pillboxes) and communication systems
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biodefence, biodefense, biological defence, biological defense
procedures involved in taking defensive measures against attacks using biological agents
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chemical defence, chemical defense
procedures involved in taking defensive measures against attacks using chemical agents
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minelaying, mining
laying explosive mines in concealed places to destroy enemy personnel and equipment
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civil war
a war between factions in the same country
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armed combat, combat
an engagement fought between two military forces
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chemical operations, chemical warfare
warfare using chemical agents to kill or injure or incapacitate the enemy
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BW, bioattack, biologic attack, biological attack, biological warfare
the use of bacteria or viruses or toxins to destroy men and animals or food
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BW defence, BW defense, biological warfare defence, biological warfare defense
defense against biological warfare
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dogfight
an aerial engagement between fighter planes
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assault
close fighting during the culmination of a military attack
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ECM, electronic countermeasures
electronic warfare undertaken to prevent or reduce an enemy’s effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum
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ECCM, electronic counter-countermeasures
electronic warfare undertaken to insure effective friendly use of the electromagnetic spectrum in spite of the enemy’s use of electronic warfare
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ESM, electronic warfare-support measures
electronic warfare undertaken under direct control of an operational commander to locate sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of immediate threat recognition
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electromagnetic intrusion
the deliberate insertion of electromagnetic energy into transmission paths with the objective of confusing or deceiving operators
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IW, information warfare
the use of information or information technology during a time of crisis or conflict to achieve or promote specific objectives over a specific adversary or adversaries
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international jihad, jehad, jihad
a holy war waged by Muslims against infidels
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world war
a war in which the major nations of the world are involved
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naval blockade
the interdiction of a nation’s lines of communication at sea by the use of naval power
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beleaguering, besieging, military blockade, siege
the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
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hot war
actual fighting between the warring parties
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type of:
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group action
action taken by a group of people
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put in effect
“He
actioned the operation”-
synonyms:
accomplish, carry out, carry through, execute, fulfil, fulfill-
carry out, follow out, follow through, follow up, go through, implement, put through
pursue to a conclusion or bring to a successful issue
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types:
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get over
to bring (a necessary but unpleasant task) to an end
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run
carry out
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consummate
make perfect; bring to perfection
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consummate
fulfill sexually
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do, perform
get (something) done
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complete, discharge, dispatch
complete or carry out
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overachieve
perform better or achieve a greater degree of success than expected
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turn
accomplish by rotating
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underachieve, underperform
perform less well or with less success than expected
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misdo
do wrongly or improperly
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do one’s best, give full measure, give one’s best, go all out
perform a task as well as possible
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ply
apply oneself diligently
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type of:
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complete, finish
come or bring to a finish or an end
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effect, effectuate, set up
produce
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carry out, follow out, follow through, follow up, go through, implement, put through
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an act by a government body or supranational organization
“recent federal
action undermined the segregationist position”“the United Nations must have the power to propose and organize
action without being hobbled by irrelevant issues”“the Union
action of emancipating Southern slaves”-
type of:
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group action
action taken by a group of people
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group action
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a judicial proceeding brought by one party against another; one party prosecutes another for a wrong done or for protection of a right or for prevention of a wrong
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synonyms:
action at law, legal action-
types:
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antitrust case
a legal action brought against parties who are charged with limiting free competition in the market place
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civil action
legal action to protect a private civil right or to compel a civil remedy (as distinguished from criminal prosecution)
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counterclaim
a claim filed in opposition to another claim in a legal action
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custody case
a legal action to determine custody (usually of children following a divorce)
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lis pendens
a pending lawsuit
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criminal prosecution, prosecution
the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a defendant for criminal behavior
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test case, test suit
a representative legal action whose outcome is likely to become a precedent
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double jeopardy
the prosecution of a defendant for a criminal offense for which he has already been tried; prohibited in the fifth amendment to the United States Constitution
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type of:
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legal proceeding, proceeding, proceedings
(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
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institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
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the series of events that form a plot
“his novels always have a lot of
action”-
types:
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rising action
a series of plot events that build up toward the climax of a narrative
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falling action
the series of plot events following the climax of a narrative
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type of:
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plot
the story that is told as in a novel, play, movie, etc.
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rising action
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the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism
“the piano had a very stiff
action”-
synonyms:
action mechanism-
types:
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firing mechanism, gunlock
the action that ignites the charge in a firearm
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movement
the driving and regulating parts of a mechanism (as of a watch or clock)
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piano action
action consisting of a system of levers that move a felt hammer to strike the strings when a key is depressed
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pump action, slide action
action mechanism in a modern rifle or shotgun; a back and forward motion of a sliding lever ejects the empty shell case and cocks the firearm and loads a new round
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flintlock
an obsolete gunlock that has flint embedded in the hammer; the flint makes a spark that ignites the charge
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wheel lock
an obsolete gunlock using flint and a revolving wheel
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type of:
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mechanism
device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function
Word Family