double-acting

[ duhb-uhl-ak-ting ]

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.: Compare single-acting.

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

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

Origin of double-acting

1
First recorded in 1835–45

Words Nearby double-acting

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use double-acting in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for double-acting

double-acting

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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