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

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.

Other Word Forms

• bipolarity noun
• bipolarization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bipolar¹

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

Example Sentences

Louisdor said he has bipolar disorder, for which he takes medication.

From Los Angeles Times

I was misdiagnosed as bipolar, ADD, ADHD, and a few other letters the scientific community had never heard of.”

From Los Angeles Times

The incident plunged her deeper into depression, and she spent much of the next decade receiving treatment, during which time she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

From BBC

He has struggled with addiction and been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression and psychosis, according to his mother.

From Los Angeles Times

While physical health conditions, such as arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions are prevalent, in recent years large increases in mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression, have driven the increase.

From BBC