Definition of: action

(ak′shən) noun
1. The putting forth or exerting of power; an acting, doing, or working; operation; activity.
2. The performance by any organ of its proper function: The action of the heart was normal.
3. The movement of the parts or mechanism of something: the action of the engine.
4. The result of putting forth power; the thing done; especially, any act of volition; deed; the rational actions of men.
5. In literature, the connected series of events on which the interest depends.
6. A military conflict; battle; a general action.
7. Rel. A devotional exercise or religious function.
8. Law The lawful demand of one's right through judicial proceedings; a judicial proceeding for the enforcement of rights, the redress of wrongs, or the punishment of public offenses.
9. In sculpture or painting, gesture or attitude represented as expressing passion or sentiment.
10. Physics A magnitude describing the condition of any dynamic system, expressible as twice the mean kinetic energy of the system during a given interval, multiplied by the duration of the interval.
11. Slang. Lively or exciting social activity; excitement: where the action is.
12. Slang. Money wagered; betting. See synonyms under ACT, BATTLE, BEHAVIOR, EXERCISE, MOTION, OPERATION, TRANSACTION, WORK. [<F <L actio, -onis <agere do]