bidirectional

adjective

bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
-dī-
: involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions
bidirectional flow
bidirectional replication of DNA
bidirectionally adverb

Examples of bidirectional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bidirectional rotating bezel offers a precise 24-hour scale for GMT functionality. Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 The bidirectional bezel with a 24-hour scale is usually in two colors: One for daytime hours and the other for nighttime hours for quick identification. Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2024 The 80 Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth ensures rapid data transfers for gaming, video editing and large data migrations. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Energy consumption, not energy access, is the metric that is strongly correlated with positive human development outcomes, and there is a strong bidirectional relationship between rising energy consumption and rising incomes. Ted Nordhaus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Aug. 2016 See All Example Sentences for bidirectional

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bidirectional was in 1889

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Cite this Entry

“Bidirectional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bidirectional. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

bidirectional

adjective
bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
-dī-
: involving, moving, or taking place in usually two opposite directions

Medical Definition

bidirectional

adjective
bi·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌbī-də-ˈrek-shnəl, -dī-, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce bidirectional (audio)
: involving, moving, or taking place in two usually opposite directions
bidirectional flow of materials in axons
bidirectional replication of DNA
bidirectionally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on bidirectional

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