bidirectional

adjective

bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-shnəl How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
-dī-,
-shə-nᵊl
: involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions
bidirectional flow
bidirectional replication of DNA
bidirectionally adverb

Examples of bidirectional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 3 will be the first Polestar with bidirectional charging capabilities, and Polestar announced a collaboration with the California Energy Commission (along with other authorities in the US and Sweden) to create an implementation plan for vehicle-to-grid services. Daniel Golson, The Verge, 14 Nov. 2023 The movement with a GMT function is equipped with bidirectional self-winding via a perpetual rotor. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2023 Earlier this year Gill had become intrigued by how Apple’s push notification service works, and how these bidirectional notifications might offer some clues into breaking open Messages. Lauren Goode, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2023 The bidirectional bezel, fashioned from Carbonium, is central to the watch’s functionality: Distinctly futuristic looking, it’s secured by a tab that, when opened, allows one to set the time via rotation in either direction. Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 24 Nov. 2023 The bidirectional self-winding movement achieves an impressive power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2023 The automatic movement with a bidirectional rotor system provides Posh Spice’s husband with a 70-hour power reserve. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2023 Five years in the making, the movement has bidirectional winding, a balance wheel fit with inertia blocks to avoid unnecessary friction, and comes with an extra-thin date-setting mechanism. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2023 The link between chronic pain and sleep is bidirectional. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 6 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bidirectional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bidirectional was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near bidirectional

Cite this Entry

“Bidirectional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bidirectional. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bidirectional

adjective
bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
-dī-
: involving, moving, or taking place in usually two opposite directions

Medical Definition

bidirectional

adjective
bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-shnəl, -dī-, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
: involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions
bidirectional flow of materials in axons
bidirectional replication of DNA
bidirectionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on bidirectional

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