(ˈ)bī|lad.ərəl, -lat(ə)rəl adjective
Etymology: bi- (I) + lateral
1. : having two sides
a problem that poses a bilateral difficulty
2. : affecting reciprocally two sides or two parties
a bilateral contract
a bilateral treaty
specifically : of or relating to bilateralism in trade
bilateral trade policies
3. biology
a. : of or relating to the right and left sides of a central area, organ, or plane
b. : possessing bilateral symmetry
4. : related or tracing descent through both maternal and paternal ancestors — contrasted with unilateral
5. : of or relating to a system of tolerance specification that allows variation both above and below the basic size
• bi·lat·er·al·ly -lad.ərəlē, -lat(ə)rəlē, -li adverb