nonreciprocal

adjective

non·​re·​cip·​ro·​cal ˌnän-ri-ˈsi-prə-kəl How to pronounce nonreciprocal (audio)
: not characterized by reciprocity : not reciprocal or reciprocating
nonreciprocal systems
nonreciprocal friendships

Examples of nonreciprocal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Based on these principles, my group has created several technologies that operate efficiently as nonreciprocal devices. Andrea Alù, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2022 Cars barreling down a highway or stuck in traffic are similarly nonreciprocal. Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2021 Why would girls participate in nonreciprocal relationships? Time, 6 Jan. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonreciprocal was in 1866

Dictionary Entries Near nonreciprocal

Cite this Entry

“Nonreciprocal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonreciprocal. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on nonreciprocal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!