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Webster 1913 Edition


Interference

Inˊter-fer′ence

,
Noun.
[See
Interfere
.]
1.
The act or state of interfering;
as, the stoppage of a machine by the
interference
of some of its parts; a meddlesome
interference
in the business of others.
2.
(Physics)
The mutual influence, under certain conditions, as from streams of light, or pulsations of sound, or, generally, two waves or vibrations of any kind, producing certain characteristic phenomena, as colored fringes, dark bands, or darkness, in the case of light, silence or increased intensity in sounds; neutralization or superposition of waves generally.
☞ The term is most commonly applied to light, and the undulatory theory of light affords the proper explanation of the phenomena which are considered to be produced by the superposition of waves, and are thus substantially identical in their origin with the phenomena of heat, sound, waves of water, and the like.
3.
(Patent Law)
The act or state of interfering, or of claiming a right to the same invention.
Interference figures
(Optics)
,
the figures observed when certain sections of crystallized bodies are viewed in converging polarized light; thus, a section of a uniaxial crystal, cut normal to the vertical axis, shows a series of concentric colored rings with a single black cross; – so called because produced by the interference of luminous waves.
Interference fringe
.
(Optics)
See
Fringe
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Interference

INTERFE'RENCE

,
Noun.
Interposition; an intermeddling; mediation.
1.
A clashing or collision.
2.
A striking of one foot against the other.

Definition 2024


interference

interference

See also: interférence

English

Noun

interference (countable and uncountable, plural interferences)

  1. The act of interfering with something, or something that interferes.
  2. (sports) The illegal obstruction of an opponent in some ball games.
    They were glued to the TV, as the referee called out a fifteen yard penalty for interference.
  3. (physics) An effect caused by the superposition of two systems of waves, such as a distortion on a broadcast signal due to atmospheric or other effects.
    They wanted to watch the game on TV, but there was too much interference to even make out the score on the tiny screen.
  4. (US, law) In United States patent law, an inter partes proceeding to determine the priority issues of multiple patent applications; a priority contest.
  5. (chess) The interruption of the line between an attacked piece and its defender by sacrificially interposing a piece.

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