bipolar

[ bahy-poh-ler ]
/ baɪˈpoʊ lər /

adjective

having two poles, as the earth.
of, relating to, or found at both polar regions.
characterized by opposite extremes, as two conflicting political philosophies.
Electronics. of or relating to a transistor that uses both positive and negative charge carriers.
Psychiatry. of, relating to, or having bipolar disorder: His wife is bipolar.

Origin of bipolar

First recorded in 1800–10; bi-1 + polar

OTHER WORDS FROM bipolar

bi·po·lar·i·ty, noun bi·po·lar·i·za·tion, noun

Example sentences from the Web for bipolar

British Dictionary definitions for bipolar

bipolar
/ (baɪˈpəʊlə) /

adjective

having two poles a bipolar dynamo; a bipolar neuron
relating to or found at the North and South Poles
having or characterized by two opposed opinions, natures, etc
(of a transistor) utilizing both majority and minority charge carriers
suffering from bipolar manic-depressive disorder

Derived forms of bipolar

bipolarity, noun

Medical definitions for bipolar

bipolar
[ bī-pōlər ]

adj.

Having two poles; used especially of nerve cells in which the branches project from two usually opposite points.
Of or relating to both ends or poles of a bacterial or other cell.
Of or relating to a major mood disorder that is characterized by episodes of mania and depression.

Other words from bipolar

bi′po•lari•ty (-lărĭ-tē) n.

Scientific definitions for bipolar

bipolar
[ bī-pōlər ]

Relating to or having two poles or charges.
Relating to a semiconductor device, such as a transistor, that exploits the electrical characteristics of contact between two substances, one with an inherent positive charge, the other with an inherent negative charge.
Relating to or involving both of the Earth's polar regions.
Relating to a neuron that has two processes or extremities.
Relating to bipolar disorder.