english word · 2026-08-05

interference

noun

Meaning

The phenomenon in which two or more waves overlap to form a new pattern of greater, lower, or the same amplitude. In quantum mechanics, it describes how the probability waves of particles interact to determine where a particle is likely to be found.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'entreferir' (to strike each other), from 'entre-' (between) and 'ferir' (to strike).

Examples

"The famous double-slit experiment demonstrates how a single electron can exhibit interference with itself, acting more like a ripple in a pond than a solid marble."

"Think of quantum interference like two singers performing the same note; if their voices align perfectly, the sound swells, but if they are slightly out of sync, the sound can strangely cancel out into silence."

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