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

See Examples For:

double-acting

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

Among these was the pneumatic system of propulsion, already referred to as first proposed by Papin, in combination with his double-acting air-pump, in 1687.

From A History of the Growth of the Steam-Engine by Robert H. Thurston

The lift was so contrived as to be double-acting, the turning of the drum and a ratchet causing one wire bearing its load of supplies to ascend, whilst another descended, the hill.

From History of the War in South Africa 1899-1902 v. 1 (of 4) Compiled by Direction of His Majesty's Government by Great Britain. War Office