Crosstalks

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The unwanted mixing of signals in communication systems causing interference ; the informal overlapping or simultaneous conversation between individuals
2. The phenomenon where signals from different transmission paths mix and disrupt each other ; casual dialogue where speakers talk over each other or interrupt
3. Interference in electronic or telecommunication signals due to leakage from adjacent lines ; interactive communication characterized by overlapping or spontaneous exchanges

Etymology: "Crosstalks" is the plural of "crosstalk," a compound of "cross," meaning signals running across one another, and "talk," from Middle English "talken," which traces back to Old English "tealcian." The comic-performance sense is probably a loose calque of the Chinese "xiangsheng," a form of comic dialogue.

Synonyms: interference, cross-talk