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duplex

adjective
du·​plex | \ ˈdü-ËŒpleks How to pronounce duplex (audio) also ˈdyü-\

Definition of duplex

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1a : having two principal elements or parts : double, twofold
b : having two complementary polynucleotide strands of DNA or of DNA and RNA
2 : allowing telecommunication in opposite directions simultaneously

duplex

verb
duplexed; duplexing; duplexes

Definition of duplex (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

: to make duplex

duplex

noun

Definition of duplex (Entry 3 of 3)

: something duplex: such as
a : a 2-family house
b : duplex apartment
c : a duplex molecule of DNA or of RNA and DNA
Other Words from duplex Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about duplex

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Synonyms & Antonyms for duplex

Synonyms: Adjective

binary, bipartite, double, double-barreled, double-edged, dual, twin, twofold

Antonyms: Adjective

single

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Did You Know?

Duplex can describe a confusing variety of things, depending on the technical field. Most of us use it as a noun: a duplex can be either a two-family house or a two-story apartment. In computer science and telecommunications, duplex (or full-duplex) communication can go in both directions at once, while half-duplex communication can go only one way at a time. In other areas, just translate duplex as "double" and see if the sentence makes sense.

Examples of duplex in a Sentence

Adjective

 a duplex apartment with all of the bedrooms on the second floor

Noun

 We live in the brick duplex.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Locals still patronize its bar in the basement of a First Avenue duplex. — Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, "South St. Paul’s Croatian Hall turns 100," 18 Aug. 2019 Well, its owners are at it again with a new '90s-themed pad that's part of the same duplex. — Dan Singer, Dallas News, "'90s-themed Airbnb joins an '80s-themed Airbnb in Lower Greenville," 5 Aug. 2019 The victim was shot multiple times in the driveway of a duplex after a small party with friends and family, the police sergeant said. — Jasper Scherer, Houston Chronicle, "Man fatally shoots brother at family event, police say," 3 Aug. 2019 Five people who lived in apartments above Sweet Fingers lost their homes, and a resident of a nearby duplex is being temporarily displaced. — George Avalos, The Mercury News, "San Leandro businesses destroyed in fire on East 14th Street," 21 June 2019 Officers arrived and found a woman dead in the duplex, police said. — Evan Macdonald, cleveland.com, "Man arrested after car stolen from Cleveland home where woman found dead, records say," 16 Aug. 2019 Prosecutors say Cook prepared a bedroom in the duplex for Staton’s beating by covering the floor and walls with painter’s plastic. — Madeline Mcgee, Anchorage Daily News, "Man accused of preparing room where gang member would be beaten pleads guilty to kidnapping," 8 Aug. 2019 Blessy Briscoe, who spoke during the public-comment period of the meeting , asked whether or not one of two units in a duplex owned by the same person could be rented out. — Lila Seidman, Glendale News-Press, "Glendale could implement Airbnb rules this fall," 23 July 2019 Our duplex, at 5424½ Harold Way, was demolished long ago. — Héctor Tobar, The New Yorker, "The Assassin Next Door," 22 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'duplex.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of duplex

Adjective

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1833, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1922, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for duplex

Adjective

Latin, from duo two + -plex -fold — more at two, -fold

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More Definitions for duplex

duplex

noun

English Language Learners Definition of duplex

US
: a building that is divided into two separate homes
: an apartment with two floors

See the full definition for duplex in the English Language Learners Dictionary

duplex

noun
du·​plex | \ ˈdü-ËŒpleks How to pronounce duplex (audio) , ˈdyü-\

Kids Definition of duplex

: a house with two separate living spaces

duplex

noun
du·​plex | \ ˈd(y)ü-ËŒpleks How to pronounce duplex (audio) \

Medical Definition of duplex

: a molecule having two complementary polynucleotide strands of DNA or of DNA and RNA

Other Words from duplex

duplex

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