positive feedback
noun Electronics.
See under feedback(def 1).
Words nearby positive feedback
Definition for positive feedback (2 of 2)
feedback
[ feed-bak ]
/ ˈfidˌbæk /
noun
Electronics.
- 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).
- 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 positive feedback (1 of 2)
British Dictionary definitions for positive 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 positive feedback
feedback
[ fēd′băk′ ]
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.
Scientific definitions for positive feedback (1 of 2)
feedback
[ fēd′băk′ ]
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 positive feedback (2 of 2)
positive feedback
Feedback in which the output quantity or signal adds to the input quantity or signal. Positive feedback is responsible for the squealing of microphones when placed too close to the speaker through which their input signals are amplified. Compare negative feedback.
Cultural definitions for positive 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.