bidirectional

[ bahy-di-rek-shuh-nl, -dahy- ]

adjective

1. capable of reacting or functioning in two, usually opposite, directions.

bidirectional

/ ˌbaɪdɪˈrɛkʃənəl /

adjective

1. computing (of a printhead) capable of printing from left to right and from right to left

Other Words From

• bidi·rection·ali·ty noun
• bidi·rection·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bidirectional¹

First recorded in 1940–45; bi- ¹ + directional

Example Sentences

The bidirectional noise-cancelling mic prioritizes the sound of your voice over sound coming from other directions.

From Popular-Science

Using a dedicated rear knob, users can select between single-direction, bidirectional, stereo, and omnidirectional recording modes, allowing the Yeti X to capture clear vocal audio from multiple sources without the need for extra microphones.

From Popular-Science

You can attach this tracker to any item you want to keep tabs on, and with its smart anti-loss feature and bidirectional alert, you can track your lost items using your smartphone.

From Popular-Science

The system is bidirectional, too, so it can pump out enough energy from its battery packs to power a small campsite or work as a simple generator during a power outage.

From Popular-Science

Hayashi and Ivry focused on an entirely different brain region and mechanism than the Weizmann scientists did — and yet both studies observed a similar bidirectional effect on time perception.

From Quanta Magazine