bilateral

[ bahy-lat-er-uh l ]
/ baɪˈlæt ər əl /

adjective

pertaining to, involving, or affecting two or both sides, factions, parties, or the like: a bilateral agreement; bilateral sponsorship.
located on opposite sides of an axis; two-sided, especially when of equal size, value, etc.
Biology. pertaining to the right and left sides of a structure, plane, etc.
Chiefly Law. (of a contract) binding the parties to reciprocal obligations.
through both parents equally: bilateral affiliation. Compare unilateral(def 7).

noun

Informal. a bilateral agreement, especially regarding international trade.

Origin of bilateral

First recorded in 1765–75; bi-1 + lateral

OTHER WORDS FROM bilateral

bi·lat·er·al·ism, bi·lat·er·al·ness, noun bi·lat·er·al·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for bilateral

British Dictionary definitions for bilateral

bilateral
/ (baɪˈlætərəl) /

adjective

Derived forms of bilateral

bilaterally, adverb

Medical definitions for bilateral

bilateral
[ bī-lătər-əl ]

adj.

Having or formed of two sides; two-sided.
Having or marked by bilateral symmetry.