bipolar

[ bahy-poh-ler ]

adjective

1. having two poles, as the earth.
2. of, relating to, or found at both polar regions.
3. characterized by opposite extremes, as two conflicting political philosophies.
4. Electronics. of or relating to a transistor that uses both positive and negative charge carriers.
5. Psychiatry. of, relating to, or having bipolar disorder:

   His wife is bipolar.

bipolar

/ baɪˈpəʊlə /

adjective

1. having two poles

   a bipolar dynamo

   a bipolar neuron

2. relating to or found at the North and South Poles
3. having or characterized by two opposed opinions, natures, etc
4. (of a transistor) utilizing both majority and minority charge carriers
5. suffering from bipolar manic-depressive disorder

bipolar

/ bī-pō′lər /

1. Relating to or having two poles or charges.
2. Relating to a semiconductor device, such as a transistor, that exploits the electrical characteristics of contact between two substances, one with an inherent positive charge, the other with an inherent negative charge.
3. Relating to or involving both of the Earth's polar regions.
4. Relating to a neuron that has two processes or extremities.
5. Relating to bipolar disorder.

Derived Forms

• bipoˈlarity, noun

Other Words From

• bipo·lari·ty noun
• bi·polar·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bipolar¹

First recorded in 1800–10; bi- ¹ + polar

Example Sentences

Sawusch, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, had been experiencing severe episodes of mental illness that had led to his hospitalization and later his arrest.

From Los Angeles Times

But it was later found she had bipolar disorder and may have been experiencing a mental breakdown and trouble sleeping, according to detectives.

From Los Angeles Times

Gomez has long been public about her physical and mental health conditions, including her battle with lupus and her experiences with bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression.

From Los Angeles Times

Behind its glassy doors is something rare: A community run by people with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder.

From Los Angeles Times

The rapper, now separated from celebrity Kim Kardashian, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder years ago and has publicly spoken about his challenges with his mental health.

From BBC