Category:Reciprocate

Re*cip"ro*cate, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Reciprocated; p. pr. & vb. n. Reciprocating.] Etym: [l. reciprocatus, p. p. of reciprocare. See Reciprocal.]

Defn: to move forward and backward alternately; to recur in Vicissitude; to act interchangeably; to alternate. One brawny smith the puffing bellows plies, and draws and blows Reciprocating air. Dryden. Reciprocating engine, a steam, air, or gas engine, etc., in which the Piston moves back and forth; -- in distinction from a rotary engine, In which the piston travels continuously in one direction in a Circular path. -- reciprocating motion (mech.), motion alternately backward and Forward, or up and down, as of a piston rod.

Reciprocate Re*cip"ro*cate, v. t.

Defn: to give and return mutually; to make return for; to give in Return; to unterchange; to alternate; as, to reciprocate favors. Cowper.