bipolar

adjective

bi·​po·​lar (ˌ)bī-ˈpō-lər How to pronounce bipolar (audio)
1
: having or marked by two mutually repellent forces or diametrically opposed natures or views
2
a
: having or involving the use of two poles or polarities
bipolar generators
bipolar ECG leads
b
electronics : relating to, being, or using a transistor in which both electrons and holes (see hole entry 1 sense 1b(3)) are utilized as charge carriers (see carrier sense 2e)
3
: relating to, associated with, or occurring in both polar (see polar entry 1 sense 1a) regions
bipolar species of birds
4
psychology : being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder
bipolar patients
bipolarity noun
bipolarize transitive verb

Examples of bipolar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Your bipolar symptoms can stabilize, improve, or worsen over the years. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 18 Oct. 2024 The singer has also been open about her struggles with managing her bipolar II disorder, dealing with stalkers, being grabbed by fans, and handling the stress that comes with a lightning-fast rise in popularity all at the same time. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2024 Several of the justices pressed lawyers for both sides about the value of the information about Sneed's bipolar diagnosis by the psychiatrist and treatment with lithium, and how that may have impacted the jury's view of case. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 9 Oct. 2024 Dunaway also recently revealed a bipolar diagnosis in an interview with The Independent, identifying mood swings that have influenced her work as an actress. Brian Welk, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bipolar 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bipolar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of bipolar was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near bipolar

Cite this Entry

“Bipolar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bipolar. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

bipolar

adjective
bi·​po·​lar
(ˌ)bī-ˈpō-lər
1
: having or involving two poles
2
: having or marked by two mutually repellent forces or wholly opposed natures or views
3
: being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder
bipolarity
ˌbī-​pō-​ˈler-​ə-​tē
noun

Medical Definition

bipolar

1 of 2 adjective
bi·​po·​lar
(ˈ)bī-ˈpō-lər
1
: involving or being electrodes or leads attached to two different bodily sites (such as the arms and legs) for recording the difference in electrical potential between the two sites
bipolar encephalograph leads
2
of a neuron : having an efferent and an afferent process
3
: being, characteristic of, or affected with a bipolar disorder
bipolar depression
bipolar patients
compare unipolar

bipolar

2 of 2 noun
: a person affected with bipolar disorder

More from Merriam-Webster on bipolar

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