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

The pump-rod, I, works a double-acting pump, J, and the resistance to the issuing water is rendered uniform by an air-chamber, K, within which the water rises and falls when pressures tend to vary greatly.

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

Another form is shown in the sketch given of the double-acting engine in Fig.

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