Dictionary

bipolar

adjective bi·po·lar \(ˌ)bī-ˈpō-lər\

Definition of BIPOLAR

: having or marked by two mutually repellent forces or diametrically opposed natures or views

a : having or involving the use of two poles or polarities

b : relating to, being, or using a transistor in which both electrons and holes are utilized as charge carriers

: relating to, associated with, or occurring in both polar regions <bipolar species of birds>

: being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder

— bi·po·lar·i·ty \ˌbī-pō-ˈler-ə-tē, -ˈla-rə-\ noun

— bi·po·lar·i·za·tion \(ˌ)bī-ˌpō-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

— bi·po·lar·ize \(ˌ)bī-ˈpō-lə-ˌrīz\ transitive verb

1810

Medical Dictionary

adjective bi·po·lar \(ˈ)bī-ˈpō-lər\

: having or involving the use of two poles <bipolar encephalograph leads>

of a neuron : having an efferent and an afferent process

: being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder <bipolar depression> <bipolar affectively ill patients>—compare unipolar 2

Next Word in the Dictionary: bipolar affective disorderPrevious Word in the Dictionary: bipodAll Words Near: bipolar

What made you want to look up bipolar? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears