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dual-use

dual-use

4 7.1
A thing made to be used for two different purposes, like civilian and military
  • adjective
  • /ˈduːəl juːs/
translation icon : de doble uso
  • Such technologies are said to have "dual use" (both for civilian and military purposes).
  • dual-use technology
  • dual-use exports
  • dual-use items

Instead, China supplies this as unreported dual use equipment.

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Examples

  • Such facilities are inherently dual-use and can be employed to make either fuel for reactors or fissile material for bombs.

    Academic text (2010)
  • For instance, dual-use technologies with military applications might also fall under ISA requirements.

    Academic text (2005)
  • It's called a dual use room.

  • China has previous experience with space technology and has launched satellites of its own, some for dual use, others for military applications.

    Academic text (2004)
  • But mankind has had a long existence with "dual use" technology.

    Blog text (7)
  • Civilian research and development has increased the availability of militarily significant dual-use technology to far more actors in the system.

    Academic text (2000)
  • In 1989, the Soviet Council of Ministers issued guidelines on the export of dual-use chemicals and the technologies used for their production.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Overall, the Clinton-Gore program called for devoting more than $25 billion over five years to support dual-use technology and defense conversion programs.

    Academic text (1996)
  • That's when President Bill Clinton issues a policy directive declaring GPS to be a dual use system.

  • The engineers developed a dual-use drone that can be utilized for both surveillance and recreational purposes.

Synonyms

multipurpose
vsdual-use
6 3.4

Can be used in many different ways, like cleaning or fixing

is narrower meaning just two purposes often civilian and military
dual-purpose
vsdual-use
1 4.4

Made to do two different things at the same time

is often meant for both civilian and military use
double-barreled
vsdual-use
  • US
1 6.0

Having two purposes or effects

is often applied to items with civilian and military roles
bifunctional
vsdual-use
6.7

Something that has two different functions

emphasizes use across civilian and military sectors
multifunctional
vsdual-use
3.7

A device that does several different jobs, like printing and scanning

is narrower meaning it serves only two sectors civilian and military

How Multipurpose

multipurpose
6 3.4
dual-use
4 7.1

Surface Forms

dual-use positive

Morphology

dual-use = dual + use (transparent) = dual + use

The meaning is directly derived from 'dual' + 'use' (suitable for two uses); the compound is easily interpretable by learners.

Etymology

Dual-use comes from dual meaning 'two' and use meaning 'use', so it simply means 'for two uses'. That's why we call something dual-use when it can serve two purposes, often both civilian and military.