Reciprocally proportional (Arith. & Alg.), proportional, as two
variable quantities, so that the one shall have a constant ratio to the
reciprocal of the other.
Re*cip"ro*cal*ness (r*sp"r*kal*ns), n. The quality or condition of
being reciprocal; mutual return; alternateness.
Re*cip"ro*cate (-kt), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Reciprocated (- k`td); p. pr.
& vb. n. Reciprocating.] [L. reciprocatus, p. p. of reciprocare. See
Reciprocal.] 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.
Re*cip"ro*cate, v. t. To give and return mutually; to make return for;
to give in return; to interchange; to alternate; as, to reciprocate
favors. Cowper.
Re*cip`ro*ca"tion (-k"shn), n. [L. reciprocatio: cf. F. réciprocation.]
1. The act of reciprocating; interchange of acts; a mutual giving and
returning; as, the reciprocation of kindnesses.
2. Alternate recurrence or action; as, the reciprocation of the sea in
the flow and ebb of tides. Sir T. Browne.
Rec`i*proc"i*ty (rs`*prs"*t), n. [Cf. F. réciprocité. See Reciprocal.]
1. Mutual action and reaction.