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reciprocative

reciprocative

9.1
Moving back and forth in a straight line like a sewing machine needle
  • adjective
  • /rɪˈsɪprəˌkeɪtɪv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : reciprocante
  • Many old sewing machines rely on a reciprocative motion to stitch fabric.

Examples

  • The reciprocative motion of the pendulum fascinated the students.

  • The mechanic explained how the reciprocative parts converted rotary movement into linear action.

  • The engine uses a reciprocative pump to move fuel efficiently.

  • In physics, a reciprocative process can be observed in many systems.

  • The reciprocative motion of the pendulum fascinated the students.

  • Many old sewing machines rely on a reciprocative motion to stitch fabric.

  • The engine uses a reciprocative pump to move fuel efficiently.

Synonyms

reciprocatory
vsreciprocative
  • Specialized
9.9

Moving back and forth in a regular way

has identical meaning but is a different form of the word

Antonyms

46 2.9

Not moving and staying in one place

How Alternating

oscillatory
  • Specialized
1 8.4
reciprocative
  • Specialized
9.1

Surface Forms

reciprocative positive

Morphology

reciprocative = reciprocate (semi-transparent) = reciproc + ative

The suffix 'ative' indicates a characteristic or tendency, but the specific mechanical motion meaning is specialized.

Etymology

Reciprocative comes from Latin parts re- 'back' and pro- 'forward', so it literally means moving 'back and forward'. Think of a sewing machine needle or a pump that goes one way and then back; that is a reciprocative motion.