double-acting, ppl. a.
Acting in two ways or directions, by two methods, etc.: spec. of a steam-engine, worked by application of steam power on both sides of the piston. (Cf. double action s.v. double a. 6.)
| 1842 Penny Cycl. XXII. 475 The upward stroke of the piston was now produced by admitting the steam below it..thus the engine became double-acting. 1850 Chubb Locks & Keys 28 Chubb's detector being combined with the six double-acting tumblers, added very greatly to the security of the lock. 1874 Knight Dict. Mech., Double-acting Pump, one which throws water at each stroke. 1892 T. R. Lounsbury Stud. Chaucer I. ii. 155 The assumed relationship..had begun to perform its double-acting part. |