double-acting
Americanadjective
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(of a reciprocating engine, pump, etc.) having pistons accomplishing work in both directions, fluid being admitted alternately to opposite ends of the cylinders.
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(of a hinge of a door or the like) permitting movement in either direction from the normal, or closed, position.
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having twice the usual effectiveness, strength, use, etc.
adjective
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(of a reciprocating engine or pump) having a piston or pistons that are pressurized alternately on opposite sides Compare single-acting
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(of a hinge, door, etc) having complementary actions in opposed directions
Etymology
Origin of double-acting
First recorded in 1835–45
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
"Yes, that is a double-acting or reciprocating engine of a more perfect type," her father returned.
From Steve and the Steam Engine by Scott, A. O. (Arthur O.)
A table mounted with one blow-pipe made on this plan, and worked by a double-acting bellows, is recommended for students' use.
From On Laboratory Arts by Threlfall, Richard
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
