Main Entry: in·ter·fer·ence

Pronunciation: \-ˈfir-ən(t)s\

Function: noun

1 : the act or process of interfering
2 : the mutual effect on meeting of two wave trains (as of light or sound) that constitutes alternating areas of increased and decreased amplitude (as light and dark lines or louder and softer sound)
3 : partial or complete inhibition or sometimes facilitation of other genetic crossovers in the vicinity of a chromosomal locus where a preceding crossover has occurred
4 : the disturbing effect of new learning on the performance of previously learned behavior with which it is inconsistent—compare negative transfer
5 : prevention of typical growth and development of a virus in a suitable host by the presence of another virus in the same host individual—see interference phenomenon