single-acting

[ sing-guh l-ak-ting ]

/ ˈsɪŋ gəlˈæk tɪŋ /

(of a reciprocating engine, pump, etc.) having pistons accomplishing work only in one direction. Compare double-acting(def 1).

Origin of single-acting

First recorded in 1815–25

The small engine drives a single-acting air pump of the ordinary type by a crank, not shown in the drawing.

Scientific American Supplement, No. 286 |Various
As single-acting pumps give an intermittent discharge three are generally used on cranks at 120.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 1 |Various
The engine is made with either one or two cylinders, and is, of course, single-acting.

Scientific American Supplement, No. 481, March 21, 1885 |Various
Each sliding platform was actuated by two single-acting rams, 3½ in.

Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. LXVIII, Sept. 1910 |B. H. M. Hewett

The piston will, therefore, be pressed downwards by the action of the steam above it, as in the single-acting engine.

The Steam Engine Explained and Illustrated (Seventh Edition) |Dionysius Lardner

single-acting

(of a reciprocating engine or pump) having a piston or pistons that are pressurized on one side only Compare double-acting (def. 1)