| reciprocally | 1. In a reciprocal manner; so that each affects the other, and is equally affected by it; interchangeably; mutually. "These two particles to reciprocally affect each other with the same force." (Bentley) 2. <mathematics> In the manner of reciprocals. <mathematics> Reciprocally proportional, proportional, as two variable quantities, so that the one shall have a constant ratio to the reciprocal of the other. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| reciprocate | 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. <mechanics> Reciprocating motion, motion alternately backward and forward, or up and down, as of a piston rod. Origin: L. Reciprocatus, p. P. Of reciprocare. See Reciprocal. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| reciprocating rhythm | A cardiac arrhythmia initiated by an A-V junctional beat followed in turn by a reciprocal beat; the descending impulse of the reciprocal beat, before reaching the ventricles, is also reflected backward to the atria, but before reaching the atria is reflected downward again to the ventricles, so that there is both retrograde atrial activation and orthograde ventricular activation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| reciprocation | In prosthodontics, the means by which one part of an appliance is made to counter the effect created by another part. Origin: L. Reciprocare, pp. Reciprocatus, to move back and forth (05 Mar 2000) |
| reciprocity law | In two photochemical reactions, e.g., the darkening of a photographic plate or film, if the product of the intensity of illumination and the time of exposure are equal, the quantities of chemical material undergoing change will be equal; the retina for short periods of exposure obeys this law. Synonym: reciprocity law, Roscoe-Bunsen law. (05 Mar 2000) |
| reciprocornous | <zoology> Having horns turning backward and then forward, like those of a ram. Origin: L. Reciprocus returning, reciprocal + cornu horn. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |