Turn a Slack reaction into a dictionary lookup
Let teammates request clarification without adding another message to the thread.
Trigger
Message Reaction Added
Triggered when a reaction is added to a message in Slack. Supports optional filtering by channel and emoji name.
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
People notice confusing terms but skip asking because interrupting the conversation feels costly.
- Make clarification requests low effort
- Keep definitions tied to the original message
- Support asynchronous team learning
Setup
Build it in a few focused steps.
- 1Connect Slackbot and Dictionary api once in the Notis portal.
- 2Create an automation named Reaction Requested Definition.
- 3Tell Notis to inspect the reacted message, identify the word that needs clarification, and retrieve its Dictionary API definition.
- 4Pick Message Reaction Added as the trigger.
- 5Choose where reports go, then test by reacting to one real message.
Questions about this workflow
Can the reaction itself indicate the request?
Yes. Tell Notis which reaction should be treated as a definition request.
Does the workflow edit the original message?
No. It returns a report in the destination you choose.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
Supported Triggers and Actions
Notis builds workflows that link Slackbot to Dictionary api. A trigger fires from one place; an action lands in another.
Slackbot 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.
Slackbot and Dictionary api, or any other combination from 1,000+ integrations.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
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