verb
reciprocate
To move repeatedly back and forth.
The piston reciprocates inside the cylinder as the engine runs.
Etymology
The Latin verb already describes alternating backward and forward movement. The mechanical sense preserves that motion directly.
More examples
- The saw blade reciprocates rapidly to cut through wood.
- A small motor makes the rod reciprocate.
- The reciprocating pump pushes water through the pipe.
Forms
reciprocate · reciprocates · reciprocated · reciprocating
reciprocation noun — Repeated movement backward and forward.