In communication, what is defined as any action, sound, or word used during interaction?

The term that describes any action, sound, or word used during interaction is "message." In the context of communication, a message encompasses a wide array of forms including verbal language, nonverbal cues, written words, and various signals that convey meaning from one individual or group to another. Messages are fundamental to establishing understanding and facilitating engagement between communicators, making them the core element of the communication process.

While "signal," "response," and "feedback" all relate to communication, they do not encapsulate the broad definition of what a message entails. A signal primarily refers to a specific cue or indicator in communication, while a response relates specifically to the reply or reaction of a participant in a conversation or exchange. Feedback is a type of response specifically aimed at providing information about the effectiveness or clarity of a previous message. Thus, these elements serve important roles in the communication process but are subsets of the larger concept of a message.