interactive

[in-ter-ak-tiv] /ˌɪn tərˈæk tɪv/
adjective
1.
acting one upon or with the other.
2.
of or pertaining to a two-way system of electronic communications, as by means of television or computer:
interactive communications between families using two-way cable television.
3.
(of a computer program or system) interacting with a human user, often in a conversational way, to obtain data or commands and to give immediate results or updated information:
For many years airline reservations have been handled by interactive computer systems.
Origin
1825-35; inter- + active
Related forms
interactively, adverb
noninteractive, adjective
Examples from the web for interactive
  • Use our interactive tool to search by state, degree type, or university.
  • The interactive map above allows you to view the various territorial claims from each country's perspective.
  • See how the world's biggest economies stack up on emissions with an interactive map.
  • Please feel free to share these interactive math activities with anyone you know who may benefit from them.
  • Children imagine, discover and learn in dozens of interactive exhibits and daily educational programs.
  • It's an interactive experience, as the hotel displays the contemporary work of local artists.
  • Electronic textbooks are cheaper, lighter and more interactive than print textbooks.
  • Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal goals without putting.
  • Learn with us during our programs and interactive activities.
  • Make your own predictions by adjusting the figures in our interactive chart.
British Dictionary definitions for interactive

interactive

/ˌɪntərˈæktɪv/
adjective
1.
allowing or relating to continuous two-way transfer of information between a user and the central point of a communication system, such as a computer or television
2.
(of two or more persons, forces, etc) acting upon or in close relation with each other; interacting
Derived Forms
interactivity, noun
Word Origin and History for interactive
adj.

1832, from interact, probably on model of active. Related: Interactivity.

interactive in Culture

interactive definition


If users receive real-time feedback from a computer so that they can modify the use of the machine, the hardware, software, or content, the system is said to be interactive.

interactive in Technology


A network simulation language.
["Design and Implementation of a Pascal Based Interactive Network Simulation Language", R. Lakshmanan, PhD Thesis, Oakland U, Rochester MI 1983].
(1995-01-12)

programming
A term describing a program whose input and output are interleaved, like a conversation, allowing the user's input to depend on earlier output from the same run.
The interaction with the user is usually conducted through either a text-based interface or a graphical user interface. Other kinds of interface, e.g. using speech recognition and/or speech synthesis, are also possible.
This is in contrast to batch processing where all the input is prepared before the program runs and so cannot depend on the program's output.
(1996-06-21)