̘. ̈n.ˈɪmpækt n. & v. --n. 1 (often foll. by
on, against)
the action of
one body coming forcibly
into contact with another. 2 an
effect or
influence,
esp.
when strong. --v.tr. 1 (often foll. by
in, into) press or
fix firmly. 2 (as impacted adj.) a (of a tooth) wedged
between another
tooth and the
jaw. b (of a fractured bone) with the parts crushed
together. c (of faeces) lodged in the
intestine. øøimpaction n. [L impactpart. stem of impingere IMPINGE]