reciprocal meaning and definition

RECIPROCAL noun

Definition of reciprocal (noun)

1. something (a term or expression or concept) that has a reciprocal relation to something else
   • "risk is the reciprocal of safety"
2. (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
   • synonyms: multiplicative inverse
3. hybridization involving a pair of crosses that reverse the sexes associated with each genotype
   • synonyms: reciprocal cross

RECIPROCAL adjective

Definition of reciprocal (adjective)

1. concerning each of two or more persons or things; especially given or done in return
   • "reciprocal aid"; "reciprocal trade"; "mutual respect"; "reciprocal privileges at other clubs"
   • synonyms: mutual
   • antonym: nonreciprocal
2. of or relating to the multiplicative inverse of a quantity or function
   • "the reciprocal ratio of a:b is b:a"