negative feedback


noun Electronics.

See under feedback(def 1).

Definition for negative feedback (2 of 2)

feedback
[ feed-bak ]
/ ˈfidˌbæk /

noun

Electronics.
  1. the process of returning part of the output of a circuit, system, or device to the input, either to oppose the input (negative feedback) or to aid the input (positive feedback).
  2. acoustic feedback.
the furnishing of data concerning the operation or output of a machine to an automatic control device or to the machine itself, so that subsequent or ongoing operations of the machine can be altered or corrected.
a reaction or response to a particular process or activity: He got very little feedback from his speech.
evaluative information derived from such a reaction or response: to study the feedback from an audience survey.
Psychology. knowledge of the results of any behavior, considered as influencing or modifying further performance. Compare biofeedback.
Biology. a self-regulatory biological system, as in the synthesis of some hormones, in which the output or response affects the input, either positively or negatively.

Origin of feedback

First recorded in 1915–20; noun use of verb phrase feed back

British Dictionary definitions for negative feedback (1 of 2)

negative feedback

noun

See feedback

British Dictionary definitions for negative feedback (2 of 2)

feedback
/ (ˈfiːdˌbæk) /

noun

verb, adverb feed back

(tr) to return (part of the output of a system) to its input
to offer or suggest (information, ideas, etc) in reaction to an inquiry, experiment, etc

Medical definitions for negative feedback (1 of 2)

feedback
[ fēdbăk′ ]

n.

The return of a portion of the output of a process or system to the input, especially when used to maintain performance or to control a system or process.
The portion of the output so returned.
The return of information about the result of a process or activity.

Medical definitions for negative feedback (2 of 2)

negative feedback

n.

Feedback that reduces the output of a system.

Scientific definitions for negative feedback (1 of 2)

feedback
[ fēdbăk′ ]

The supply of an input to some process or system as a function of its output. See more at negative feedback positive feedback.

Scientific definitions for negative feedback (2 of 2)

negative feedback

Feedback in which the output quantity or signal lowers the input quantity or signal. Negative feedback is used in natural and artificial regulatory mechanisms, as well as in the design of oscillators.

Cultural definitions for negative feedback

feedback

A process in which a system regulates itself by monitoring its own output. That is, it “feeds back” part of its output to itself. Feedback is used to control machines; a heating system, for example, uses a thermostat to monitor and adjust its output. Feedback is also used by the human brain to control various muscles and joints.

notes for feedback

By extension, “feedback” is any response or information about the result of a process.

notes for feedback

Feedback is usually a feature of automation.