bilateral

American  

[bahy-lat-er-uhl] / baɪˈlæt ər əl /

adjective

1. pertaining to, involving, or affecting two or both sides, factions, parties, or the like.

   a bilateral agreement; bilateral sponsorship.

2. located on opposite sides of an axis; two-sided, especially when of equal size, value, etc.

3. Biology.  pertaining to the right and left sides of a structure, plane, etc.

4. Chiefly Law.  (of a contract) binding the parties to reciprocal obligations.

5. through both parents equally.

   bilateral affiliation.

---

noun

1. Informal.  a bilateral agreement, especially regarding international trade.

bilateral British  

/ baɪˈlætərəl /

adjective

1. having or involving two sides

2. affecting or undertaken by two parties; mutual

   a bilateral treaty

3. denoting or relating to bilateral symmetry

4. having identical sides or parts on each side of an axis; symmetrical

5. sociol relating to descent through both maternal and paternal lineage Compare unilateral

6. relating to an education that combines academic and technical courses

7. a bilateral meeting

---

Other Word Forms

• bilateralism noun
• bilaterally adverb
• bilateralness noun

Etymology

Origin of bilateral

First recorded in 1765–75; bi- ¹ + lateral

Example Sentences

A medical report, posted by Aspinall on his Instagram account, external, shows he has been diagnosed with "significant traumatic bilateral Brown's syndrome" and still suffering from "persistent" double vision.

From BBC

"The key is how much Bangladesh's next government lets the Hasina factor impact bilateral relations. If it essentially holds the relationship hostage, then it will be tough to move forward," says Mr Kugelman.

From BBC

Somalia is likely to lean increasingly on bilateral deals with individual countries, including neighbours like Kenya and Uganda.

From Barron's

The 1972 communique normalised bilateral relations, with Japan acknowledging Beijing's "One China" policy.

From Barron's

The two countries "have committed to improved, reciprocal, bilateral market access conditions for trade in beef", according to the statement.

From BBC

Related Words

• mutual
• reciprocal