adjective
bidirectional
by-dih-REK-shuh-nul
Bidirectional (adjective) means Able to move, operate or function in two directions, usually opposite ones. Example: “The road was widened to allow bidirectional traffic.”
adjective
1
Able to move, operate or function in two directions, usually opposite ones.
"The road was widened to allow bidirectional traffic."
"This cable supports bidirectional data transfer between the two devices."
"The new lift has bidirectional doors that open on either side."
noun
1
technical An antenna or microphone that picks up or sends signals equally well in two opposite directions.
"The sound engineer placed a bidirectional between the two singers to capture both voices."
"Using a bidirectional let the interviewer and guest share a single microphone."
How to use bidirectional
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBidirectional means working both ways, not just one.
When to use it
It is common in technical contexts such as engineering, audio and computing, but understood generally.
Easily confused with
unidirectional
Common pairings
bidirectional traffic
bidirectional flow
bidirectional microphone
bidirectional communication
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The road was widened to allow _____ traffic.
Etymology
Bidirectional is formed from the prefix bi-, meaning two, added to directional.
Antonyms
unidirectional
Rhymes for bidirectional
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
hexagonal
fictional
emotional
See all rhymes for bidirectional →
Frequently asked questions
What does bidirectional mean?
It describes something that can move, operate or function in two directions, usually opposite ones, rather than just one.
What is the opposite of bidirectional?
The opposite is unidirectional, which means working in only one direction.
What is a bidirectional microphone?
It is a microphone that picks up sound equally well from two opposite sides, which is useful for recording two people facing each other.
What is the meaning of bidirectional?
"bidirectional" (adjective) means able to move, operate or function in two directions, usually opposite ones.
