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 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 The state Senate has passed a bill (Senate Bill 233) that would require all electric cars, light-duty trucks and school buses sold in California to support bidirectional charging by model year 2030. Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2023 The mic also comes with four different polar pattern options: cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional. Tom Price, Popular Mechanics, 14 Mar. 2023 The piece’s bezel measures up to 400 miles per hour, and the bidirectional Calibre 4131 movement provides an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2023 One is a bidirectional charger that can both send juice to the vehicle as well as receive it; GM calls that piece of gear a PowerShift Charger. Rob Verger, Popular Science, 9 Aug. 2023 See More

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 7 Dec. 2023.

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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