Engineering English
Reaction
Engineering Fundamentals · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A reaction is a force or moment exerted by a support on a body in response to applied loads, maintaining static equilibrium of the structure.
Example in context
“The reaction at the fixed support was calculated by summing moments about point A.”
“Sabit mesnetteki tepki kuvveti, A noktası etrafındaki momentler toplanarak hesaplandı.”
Where engineers use it
Support reactions are fundamental in statics analysis. Engineers compute reactions using equilibrium equations before determining internal forces. They appear at supports like pins, rollers, and fixed ends.
Synonyms: support reaction, bearing reaction
Antonyms: applied load
Practice: can you use “Reaction” at work?
A beam with a pin support at left and roller at right carries a distributed load. Find the reactions to start the internal shear and moment diagram.
Show a model answer
“The vertical reaction at the roller support is half the total applied load.”
“Reaction” in 21 languages
| English | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Turkish | tepki kuvveti |
| French | réaction |
| German | Auflagerkraft |
| Spanish | reacción |
| Chinese | 反力 |
| Arabic | رد فعل |
| Portuguese | reação |
| Russian | реакция опоры |
| Japanese | 反力 |
| Italian | reazione |
| Vietnamese | phản lực |
| Hindi | अभिक्रिया |
| Thai | ปฎิกิริยา |
| Indonesian | reaksi |
| Korean | 반력 |
| Bengali | প্রতিক্রিয়া |
| Dutch | reactiekracht |
| Swedish | reaktion |
| Finnish | tukireaktio |
| Ukrainian | реакція опори |
Frequently asked questions
What does Reaction mean in engineering?
A reaction is a force or moment exerted by a support on a body in response to applied loads, maintaining static equilibrium of the structure. In Engineering Fundamentals, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Reaction?
Reaction is pronounced /riˈækʃən/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Reaction used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The reaction at the fixed support was calculated by summing moments about point A.”
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