double-acting

American  

[duhb-uhl-ak-ting] / ˈdʌb əlˈæk tɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of a reciprocating engine, pump, etc.) having pistons accomplishing work in both directions, fluid being admitted alternately to opposite ends of the cylinders.

2. (of a hinge of a door or the like) permitting movement in either direction from the normal, or closed, position.

3. having twice the usual effectiveness, strength, use, etc.

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double-acting British  

adjective

1. (of a reciprocating engine or pump) having a piston or pistons that are pressurized alternately on opposite sides Compare single-acting

2. (of a hinge, door, etc) having complementary actions in opposed directions

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Etymology

Origin of double-acting

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

The Great Depression coincided with the introduction of packaged double-acting baking powder, and that extra boost countered the fruit’s heavy moisture.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2022

Lots of double-acting baking powder means there’s no need to add salt, and they’ll be lofty with or without eggs, so they can easily be made vegan.

From Washington Post • Feb. 24, 2022

Poison is little help: if only a few survive, their double-acting multiplication soon makes them a pest again.

From Time Magazine Archive

This is not necessary, however, and double-acting rams are manufactured which will pump a supply of water from a source entirely different from that which operates the ram.

From Rural Hygiene by Ogden, Henry N. (Henry Neely)

To be sure Watt, the mathematical instrument-maker, had invented the double-acting steam-engine, but few had been manufactured, and those in common use were "atmospheric" engines, known as "Newcomen's" engines.

From Great Men and Famous Women. Vol. 6 A series of pen and pencil sketches of the lives of more than 200 of the most prominent personages in History by Horne, Charles F. (Charles Francis)