reciprocative
- adjective
- /rɪˈsɪprəˌkeɪtɪv/
- Specialized
- Many old sewing machines rely on a reciprocative motion to stitch fabric.
Examples
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The reciprocative motion of the pendulum fascinated the students.
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The mechanic explained how the reciprocative parts converted rotary movement into linear action.
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The engine uses a reciprocative pump to move fuel efficiently.
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In physics, a reciprocative process can be observed in many systems.
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The reciprocative motion of the pendulum fascinated the students.
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Many old sewing machines rely on a reciprocative motion to stitch fabric.
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The engine uses a reciprocative pump to move fuel efficiently.
Synonyms
Moving back and forth in a regular way
Antonyms
How Alternating
Surface Forms
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.