reactivity
noun
re·ac·tiv·i·ty
(ˌ)rē-ˌak-ˈti-və-tē 
: the quality or state of being reactive
emotional reactivity
chemical reactivity
If the brain, responding to psychological stress, stimulates the release of cortisol and cortisol suppresses the reactivity of the immune system, then a dormant viral infection may well flare up, or a new one catch hold.—
Matt Ridley
Matt RidleyAbnormal reactivity to light and abnormal pupillary size may be important clues to the presence of cranial injury in the setting of head trauma.—Bradford J. Shingleton
Bradford J. ShingletonExamples of reactivity in a Sentence
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And a decline in estrogen during menopause is also linked to a reduction in emotional reactivity, including anger, says Fosnight.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 July 2025
In forward-thinking clinics like Dr. Bonilla's, patients are experiencing dentistry that goes far beyond fillings:
Biocompatible restorations that neutralize ROS and minimize immune reactivity.
—Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
And holding yourself accountable and owning their part in the departure – was this exit driven by emotional clarity or emotional reactivity?
—David Oliver, USA Today, 28 June 2025
In oxygen’s case, its outermost shell is two electrons short — comparatively fewer than other elements — and the configuration of those electrons contribute to oxygen’s high reactivity.
—Laura Poppick, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactivity
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Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 11 July 2025
In forward-thinking clinics like Dr. Bonilla's, patients are experiencing dentistry that goes far beyond fillings:
Biocompatible restorations that neutralize ROS and minimize immune reactivity.
—Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
And holding yourself accountable and owning their part in the departure – was this exit driven by emotional clarity or emotional reactivity?
—David Oliver, USA Today, 28 June 2025
In oxygen’s case, its outermost shell is two electrons short — comparatively fewer than other elements — and the configuration of those electrons contribute to oxygen’s high reactivity.
—Laura Poppick, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for reactivity
Cite this Entry
“Reactivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reactivity. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
reactivity
noun
re·ac·tiv·i·ty
(ˌ)rē-ˌak-ˈtiv-ət-ē
plural reactivities
: the quality or state of being reactive
skin reactivity
emotional reactivity
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