This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
bipolar
[ bahy-poh-ler ]
/ baɪˈpoʊ lər /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
having two poles, as the earth.
of, relating to, or found at both polar regions.
characterized by opposite extremes, as two conflicting political philosophies.
Electronics. of or relating to a transistor that uses both positive and negative charge carriers.
Psychiatry. of, relating to, or having bipolar disorder: His wife is bipolar.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
OTHER WORDS FROM bipolar
bi·po·lar·i·ty, nounbi·po·lar·i·za·tion, nounWords nearby bipolar
bipinnaria, bipinnate, biplane, BIPOC, bipod, bipolar, bipolar disorder, bipolar transistor, bippy, biprism, bipropellant
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use bipolar in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for bipolar
bipolar
/ (baɪˈpəʊlə) /
adjective
having two polesa bipolar dynamo; a bipolar neuron
relating to or found at the North and South Poles
having or characterized by two opposed opinions, natures, etc
(of a transistor) utilizing both majority and minority charge carriers
suffering from bipolar manic-depressive disorder
Derived forms of bipolar
bipolarity, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for bipolar
bipolar
[ bī-pō′lər ]
Relating to or having two poles or charges.
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.
Relating to or involving both of the Earth's polar regions.
Relating to a neuron that has two processes or extremities.
Relating to bipolar disorder.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.