Get a definition from a direct message
Notis can recognize a direct request to define a word, fetch its meaning, and send the result back privately.
Trigger
Direct Message Received
Triggered when a new direct message (DM) is sent to a user in Slack. Catches all DMs across all DM channels.
Action
Get Word Definition V2
Tool to retrieve definitions, phonetics, origin, and meanings of a given word using freedictionaryapi v2. use when you need comprehensive lexical data for a specific word.
Why this helps
Small private questions can interrupt deep work when answering them means switching apps and rebuilding focus.
- Answer a direct vocabulary question without leaving the conversation.
- Keep the response private to the DM context.
- Reduce small app switches that break concentration.
Setup
Build it in a few focused steps.
- 1Connect Slack and Dictionary api to Notis once in the portal.
- 2Create an automation in Automations with one plain-language instruction to define only words explicitly requested in DMs and reply in that DM.
- 3Select Direct Message Received as the trigger.
- 4Choose a channel for run reports and test with a DM asking Notis to define one real word.
Questions about this workflow
Will it reply to every DM?
Write the prompt to respond only when a person explicitly asks for a word definition.
Can it keep the lookup private?
Yes. Instruct Notis to send the definition in the same direct message conversation.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
Supported Triggers and Actions
Notis builds workflows that link Slack to Dictionary api. A trigger fires from one place; an action lands in another.
Slack triggers
Dictionary api actions
Recurring trigger
Notis starts this workflow on a schedule, such as daily, weekly, or during business hours.
Get Word Definition V2
Tool to retrieve definitions, phonetics, origin, and meanings of a given word using freedictionaryapi v2. use when you need comprehensive lexical data for a specific word.
Webhook trigger
Notis starts this workflow when an external tool or custom backend sends an HTTP request.
New Channel Created Trigger
Triggered when a new channel is created in Slack.
Channel Message Received
Triggered when a message is posted in a Slack channel (public, private, or multi-party IM). Does NOT match direct messages.
Direct Message Received
Triggered when a new direct message (DM) is sent to a user in Slack. Catches all DMs across all DM channels.
Message Reaction Added
Triggered when a reaction is added to a message in Slack. Supports optional filtering by channel and emoji name.
Message Reaction Removed
Triggered when a reaction is removed from a message in Slack. Supports optional filtering by channel and emoji name.
Reaction Added Trigger
DEPRECATED: use `SLACK_MESSAGE_REACTION_ADDED` instead. Triggered when a reaction is added to a message in Slack.
Connect any two apps with Notis in the middle.
Slack and Dictionary api, or any other combination from 1,000+ integrations.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
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No card. Works with personal or business Dictionary api.