Definition of: interference

(in′tər·fir′əns) noun
1. The act of interfering; conflict; collision.
2. Physics The action of two or more wave trains, as of light, sound, electricity, radiation, etc., which on meeting tend to neutralize or to augment each other by a combination of dissimilar or like phases. With light rays, interference may produce alternate dark and bright bands; with sound, intervals of silence, or increased volume; in radio, a disturbance in reception due to conflict of signals, etc.
3. Aeron. The aerodynamic influence of two or more bodies on one another.
4. In patent law, the conflict created by an application for a patent, covering, wholly or partly, any pending application or unexpired patent.
5. In sports, obstruction of the actions of an opponent in an illegal manner.
6. In football: a The protecting of the ball carrier from opposing tacklers. b The players providing this protection. See synonyms under FRICTION.