unidirectional

adjective

uni·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌyü-ni-də-ˈrek-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce unidirectional (audio)
-dī-
1
: involving, functioning, moving, or responsive in a single direction
a unidirectional microphone
2
: not subject to change or reversal of direction
unidirectionally adverb

Examples of unidirectional in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cross seas Our understanding of how waves break has primarily been models of unidirectional waves. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Sep. 2024 The watch features a rather large 43.2 mm x 16.95 mm stainless steel case, along with a unidirectional rotating bezel that includes a scratch-resistant, black ceramic inlay. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4, for example, reach speeds up to 40 Gbps, while the new Thunderbolt 5 standard reaches a ludicrous 80 Gbps (or up to 120 Gbps when used for unidirectional connections like outputs to displays). Eric Ravenscraft, WIRED, 3 July 2024 Most hagfish predators employ suction feeding, which creates a unidirectional shear-thickening flow, the better to clog the gills and suffocate said predators. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for unidirectional 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unidirectional.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unidirectional was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near unidirectional

Cite this Entry

“Unidirectional.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unidirectional. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

unidirectional

adjective
uni·​di·​rec·​tion·​al ˌyü-ni-də-ˈrek-shnəl, -dī-, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce unidirectional (audio)
: involving, functioning, moving, or responsive in a single direction
unidirectionally adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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