1. The act or state of interfering; as, the stoppage of a machine by
the interference of some of its parts; a meddlesome interference in the
business of others.
2. (Physics) The mutual influence, under certain conditions, of two
streams of light, or series of pulsations of sound, or, generally, two
waves or vibrations of any kind, producing certain characteristic
phenomena, as colored fringes, dark bands, or darkness, in the case of
light, silence or increased intensity in sounds; neutralization or
superposition of waves generally.
The term is most commonly applied to light, and the undulatory theory
of light affords the proper explanation of the phenomena which are
considered to be produced by the superposition of waves, and are thus
substantially identical in their origin with the phenomena of heat,
sound, waves of water, and the like.
3. (Patent Law) The act or state of interfering, or of claiming a right
to the same invention.
Interference figures (Optics), the figures observed when certain
sections of crystallized bodies are viewed in converging polarized
light; thus, a section of a uniaxial crystal, cut normal to the
vertical axis, shows a series of concentric colored rings with a single
black cross; -- so called because produced by the interference of
luminous waves. - - Interference fringe. (Optics) See Fringe.
In`ter*fer"er (?), n. One who interferes.
In`ter*fer"ing*ly, adv. By or with interference.
In`ter*flow" (?), v. i. To flow in. [R.] Holland.
{ In*ter"flu*ent (?), In*ter"flu*ous (?), } a. [L. interfluens, p. pr.,
and interfluus. See Inter-, and Fluent.] Flowing between or among;
intervening. Boyle.
In`ter*fold"ed (?), p. a. Intertwined; interlocked; clasped together.
Longfellow.
In`ter*fo`li*a"ceous (?), a. [Pref. inter- + foliaceous: cf. F.
interfoliacé.] (Bot.) At the same node with opposite or whorled leaves,
but occupying a position between their places of attachment.
In`ter*fo"li*ate (?), v. t. [Pref. inter- + L. folium leaf.] To
interleave. [Obs.] Evelyn.
In`ter*fol*lic"u*lar (?), a. (Anat.) Between follicles; as, the
interfollicular septa in a lymphatic gland.
In`ter*fret"ted (?), a. (Her.) Interlaced; linked together; -- said of
charges or bearings. See Fretted.
In`ter*ful"gent (?), a. [L. interfulgens, p. pr. See Inter-, and
Fulgent.] Shining between.
In`ter*fuse" (&?;), v. t. [L. interfusus, p. p. of interfundere to pour
between; inter between + fundere to pour. See Fuse to melt.]