Unidirectional

Describing something that moves, operates, or is directed in only one direction or along a single path. This implies a lack of reversibility or the inability to go in the opposite direction without some form of external intervention or modification. The concept is applicable across various fields, from physics and engineering to information technology and biology, characterizing systems or processes with a distinct and singular flow or orientation. A key element is the absence of simultaneous or spontaneous movement or flow in the opposite direction.

Unidirectional meaning with examples

• The traffic flow on the highway is designed to be unidirectional, allowing vehicles to travel only in one direction on each lane, enhancing safety and efficiency. Any attempt to drive against this flow would be dangerous and illegal. This planned single directionality minimizes the risk of head-on collisions and congestion.
• In a diode, the electrical current flow is unidirectional. It allows current to pass through it easily in one direction, but blocks it in the opposite direction. This is a key principle behind rectifiers and many other electronic circuits that utilize a single flow of electrical current.
• The data transmission protocol used a unidirectional communication method, sending information from the sender to the receiver only. It wasn't designed for simultaneous two-way communication. Any acknowledgement from the receiver must be done through a separate channel.
• Certain muscle movements, like the contraction phase of a heartbeat, exhibit a unidirectional nature. The muscle fibers contract in a specific and predetermined direction, facilitating the pumping of blood through the heart. This is essential for proper organ function.