bilateral

[bahy-lat-er-uhl]

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

/ 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
• bilateralness noun
• bilaterally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilateral¹

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

Example Sentences

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

Read more on Barron's

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

Read more on BBC

In doing this, it gained access to dense mats of nutritious organic material while also beginning the development of the bilateral body arrangement that defines most animals today.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

However another, speaking on the same terms, told AFP: "No bilateral meeting is currently scheduled, but we are working on it."

Read more on Barron's

Historical grievances have remained sore spots in bilateral relations ever since.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• mutual 
• reciprocal