reciprocal Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun something (a term or expression or concept) that has a reciprocal relation to something else
    • risk is the reciprocal of safety
  2. noun (mathematics) one of a pair of numbers whose product is 1: the reciprocal of 2/3 is 3/2; the multiplicative inverse of 7 is 1/7
    multiplicative inverse.
  3. noun hybridization involving a pair of crosses that reverse the sexes associated with each genotype
    reciprocal cross.
  4. adjective concerning each of two or more persons or things; especially given or done in return
    mutual.
    • reciprocal aid
    • reciprocal trade
    • mutual respect
    • reciprocal privileges at other clubs
  5. adjective satellite of or relating to the multiplicative inverse of a quantity or function
    • the reciprocal ratio of a:b is b:a

WordNet

Re*cip"ro*cal adjective
Etymology
L. reciprocus; of unknown origin.
Definitions
  1. Recurring in vicissitude; alternate.
  2. Done by each to the other; interchanging or interchanged; given and received; due from each to each; mutual; as, reciprocal love; reciprocal duties.
    Let our reciprocal vows be remembered. Shak.
  3. Mutually interchangeable.
    These two rules will render a definition reciprocal with the thing defined. I. Watts.
  4. (Gram.) Reflexive; -- applied to pronouns and verbs, but sometimes limited to such pronouns as express mutual action.
  5. (Math.) Used to denote different kinds of mutual relation; often with reference to the substitution of reciprocals for given quantities. See the Phrases below. Syn. -- Mutual; alternate. -- Reciprocal, Mutual. The distinctive idea of mutual is, that the parties unite by interchange in the same act; as, a mutual covenant; mutual affection, etc. The distinctive idea of reciprocal is, that one party acts by way of return or response to something previously done by the other party; as, a reciprocal kindness; reciprocal reproaches, etc. Love is reciprocal when the previous affection of one party has drawn forth the attachment of the other. To make it mutual in the strictest sense, the two parties should have fallen in love at the same time; but as the result is the same, the two words are here used interchangeably. The ebbing and flowing of the tide is a case where the action is reciprocal, but not mutual.
Re*cip"ro*cal noun
Definitions
  1. That which is reciprocal to another thing.
    Corruption is a reciprocal to generation. Bacon.
  2. (Arith. & Alg.) The quotient arising from dividing unity by any quantity; thus 1⁄4 is the reciprocal of 4; 1⁄(a + b) is the reciprocal of a + b. The reciprocal of a fraction is the fraction inverted, or the denominator divided by the numerator.

Webster 1913