double-acting

double-acting [duhb-uh l-ak-ting] ExamplesWord Origin adjective

(of a reciprocating engine, pump, etc.) having pistons accomplishing work in both directions, fluid being admitted alternately to opposite ends of the cylinders.Compare single-acting.
(of a hinge of a door or the like) permitting movement in either direction from the normal, or closed, position.
having twice the usual effectiveness, strength, use, etc.

Origin of double-acting First recorded in 1835–45 Examples from the Web for double-acting Historical Examples of double-acting

To each crane is fixed a 10-inch cylinder, 20-inch stroke, double-acting.

Francis Trevithick

This company substituted a double-acting pump early in 1910.

Various

The new cylinder that he invented to attach to this working-frame was double-acting.

Lyman Horace Weeks

E is the steam-cylinder, and F the pump, which is seen to be double-acting.

Robert H. Thurston

This differs from the one just described chiefly in that it is single-acting, while the other is double-acting.

Various

British Dictionary definitions for double-acting double-acting adjective

(of a reciprocating engine or pump) having a piston or pistons that are pressurized alternately on opposite sidesCompare single-acting
(of a hinge, door, etc) having complementary actions in opposed directions