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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Reciprocate \Re*cip"ro*cate\ (r[-e]*s[i^]p"r[-o]*k[=a]t), verb (used without an object) [imp. & p. p. {Reciprocated} (r[-e]*s[i^]p"r[-o]*k[=a]'t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. {Reciprocating}.] [L. reciprocatus, p. p. of reciprocare. See {Reciprocal}.] To move forward and backward alternately; to recur in vicissitude; to act interchangeably; to alternate.
One brawny smith the puffing bellows plies, And draws and blows reciprocating air. --Dryden.
{Reciprocating engine}, a steam, air, or gas engine, etc., in which the piston moves back and forth; -- in distinction from a rotary engine, in which the piston travels continuously in one direction in a circular path.
{Reciprocating motion} (Mech.), motion alternately backward and forward, or up and down, as of a piston rod.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
reciprocating
adjective: moving alternately backward and forward [syn: {reciprocatory}]
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |