TO-AND-FRO

I. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ noun

( -s )

Etymology: from the adverb phrase to and fro

1.

a. : fluctuation , vacillation

b. : a bandying of words or questions : an argumentative discussion : squabble

2. : activity involving alternating movement in opposite directions

the to-and-fro of the pendulum

the noisy to-and-fro of a holiday crowd

II. adjective

Etymology: from the adverb phrase to and fro

: forward and backward : characterized by alternation (as in reciprocation or fluctuation)

to-and-fro motion

to-and-fro visiting between neighbors