negative feedback

noun, Electronics.
1.
See under feedback (def 1).

feedback

[feed-bak] /ˈfidˌbæk/
noun
1.
Electronics.
  1. the process of returning part of the output of a circuit, system, or device to the input, either to oppose the input (negative feedback) or to aid the input (positive feedback)
  2. acoustic feedback.
2.
the furnishing of data concerning the operation or output of a machine to an automatic control device or to the machine itself, so that subsequent or ongoing operations of the machine can be altered or corrected.
3.
a reaction or response to a particular process or activity:
He got very little feedback from his speech.
4.
evaluative information derived from such a reaction or response:
to study the feedback from an audience survey.
5.
Psychology. knowledge of the results of any behavior, considered as influencing or modifying further performance.
Compare biofeedback.
6.
Biology. a self-regulatory biological system, as in the synthesis of some hormones, in which the output or response affects the input, either positively or negatively.
Origin
1915-20; noun use of verb phrase feed back
Examples from the web for negative feedback
  • Pandora previously experimented with in-stream ads, but scrapped the idea due to negative feedback.
  • But after receiving negative feedback from crews, the airline decided not to move forward with widespread installation.
  • One of the persistent themes of urban change is the presence of positive and negative feedback loops.
  • She added that the board had received positive and negative feedback about it.
  • If there is enough negative feedback, the idea could be squashed before it is implemented.
  • Of course there are negative feedback loops in the atmosphere.
  • Complex systems are likely to have both positive and negative feedback loops.
  • Its a necessary negative feedback to population growth.
  • They rarely learn from their mistakes or benefit from negative feedback, and they have difficulty inhibiting their impulses.
  • The effect of clouds is quite unpredictable because they can be positive or negative feedback.
British Dictionary definitions for negative feedback

negative feedback

noun
1.
See feedback

feedback

/ˈfiːdˌbæk/
noun
1.
  1. the return of part of the output of an electronic circuit, device, or mechanical system to its input, so modifying its characteristics. In negative feedback a rise in output energy reduces the input energy; in positive feedback an increase in output energy reinforces the input energy
  2. that part of the output signal fed back into the input
2.
the return of part of the sound output by a loudspeaker to the microphone or pick-up so that a high-pitched whistle is produced
3.
the whistling noise so produced
4.
  1. the effect of the product of a biological pathway on the rate of an earlier step in that pathway
  2. the substance or reaction causing such an effect, such as the release of a hormone in a biochemical pathway
5.
information in response to an inquiry, experiment, etc: there was little feedback from our questionnaire
verb, adverb
6.
(transitive) to return (part of the output of a system) to its input
7.
to offer or suggest (information, ideas, etc) in reaction to an inquiry, experiment, etc
Word Origin and History for negative feedback

feedback

n.

1920, in the electronics sense, from feed + back (adj.). Transferred use, "information about the results of a process" is attested by 1955.

negative feedback in Medicine

feedback feed·back (fēd'bāk')
n.

  1. The return of a portion of the output of a process or system to the input, especially when used to maintain performance or to control a system or process.

  2. The portion of the output so returned.

  3. The return of information about the result of a process or activity.

negative feedback n.
Feedback that reduces the output of a system.

negative feedback in Science
feedback
(fēd'bāk')
The supply of an input to some process or system as a function of its output. See more at negative feedback, positive feedback.

negative feedback  
Feedback in which the output quantity or signal lowers the input quantity or signal. Negative feedback is used in natural and artificial regulatory mechanisms, as well as in the design of oscillators.
negative feedback in Culture

feedback definition


A process in which a system regulates itself by monitoring its own output. That is, it “feeds back” part of its output to itself. Feedback is used to control machines; a heating system, for example, uses a thermostat to monitor and adjust its output. Feedback is also used by the human brain to control various muscles and joints.

Note: By extension, “feedback” is any response or information about the result of a process.
Note: Feedback is usually a feature of automation.
Slang definitions & phrases for negative feedback

feedback

noun

Response, esp information and opinion: We'll wait for feedback before we try anything else

[1950s+; fr the portion of output fed back to the input in an automatic control circuit or system]


Encyclopedia Article for negative feedback

feedback

in biology, a response within a system (molecule, cell, organism, or population) that influences the continued activity or productivity of that system. In essence, it is the control of a biological reaction by the end products of that reaction.

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