bidirectional

adjective

bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-shnəl 

-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

Your mental and physical health are closely connected, and research has established a bidirectional relationship between depression and heart disease, where one condition can affect the other (and vice versa). —Carisa Brewster, Verywell Health, 16 Aug. 2024

The bidirectional mode can swing either way, depending upon the nature of the forgive-and-forget circumstances. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

Still, the bidirectional association between tablet use and expression of anger and frustration was significant and should be a warning to parents to be aware of screen time. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 12 Aug. 2024

This eliminates the need for complex mechanisms and valves to deal with the bidirectional air flow. —David Szondy, New Atlas, 26 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

bidirectional

adjective

bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl 

-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 

: involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions

bidirectional flow of materials in axons

bidirectional replication of DNA

bidirectionally

-ē 

adverb