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

A new paper led by a Concordia researcher examines how social isolation, loneliness and frailty affect one another and the bidirectional relationship they exert as an individual gets older.

From Science Daily

“We have a bidirectional relationship between financial stress and mental health,” Abramson said.

From Salon

"We think that myelin plasticity is bidirectional -- you can both increase myelination of a circuit and decrease myelination of a circuit."

From Science Daily

Therefore, a new optical device capable of bidirectional and omnidirectional wavelength adjustment is needed to maximize the utilization of wavelength control technology.

From Science Daily

This also needs to be done bidirectionally, since batteries are used both as energy sources and sinks.

From Science Daily