Showing results for bidirectional. Search instead for modular sectional.

bidirectional

American

[bahy-di-rek-shuh-nl, -dahy-] / ˌbaɪ dɪˈrɛk ʃə nl, -daɪ- /

adjective

capable of reacting or functioning in two, usually opposite, directions.

bidirectional British

/ ˌbaɪdɪˈrɛkʃənəl /

adjective

computing (of a printhead) capable of printing from left to right and from right to left

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of bidirectional

First recorded in 1940–45; bi- ¹ + directional

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This study focused on how coffee impacts the microbiota-gut-brain axis -- the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain -- using a wide range of biological and psychological measurements.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

Last month, Tims installed a transfer switch and a bidirectional EV charger for a customer to use a Cybertruck, equivalent to more than six Powerwalls.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 1, 2026

Zoox is aiming to launch a commercial ride-hailing service similar to Uber and Lyft that relies on its purpose-built bidirectional vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2025

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

From Salon • Sep. 25, 2024

In California, for example, the state Senate has considered requiring EVs to be bidirectional.

From Slate • Jul. 18, 2024

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023