I. ˈd(y)üˌpleks adjective
Etymology: Latin, from duo two + -plex (akin to Greek diplax double) — more at two , simple
1. : having two parts or elements : double , twofold : as
a. of a machine tool or other device : having two parts that operate at the same time or in the same way where the simpler form has but one
b. of paper or paperboard:
(1) : consisting of two or more plies
(2) : having two surfaces that differ in color, texture, or finish
c. of an electric cable : having two insulated conductors
2. : having or distinguished by two homologous dominant genes — used chiefly of autotetraploids; compare simplex
3. : allowing telecommunication in opposite directions simultaneously
duplex system
duplex telephony
— distinguished from diplex
II. noun
( -es )
: something duplex: as
a. : duplex apartment
b. : two-family house
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
: to make duplex: as
a. : to arrange (as a telegraph line) so that two messages may be transmitted simultaneously
b. : to use in dual combination in a specific metallurgic process (as two furnaces in a duplex process)
c. : borrow 8
IV. noun
: a molecule having two complementary polynucleotide strands of DNA or of DNA and RNA
• duplex adjective