Duplexing

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The process of enabling two-way simultaneous communication ; the method of printing on both sides of a sheet of paper or card
2. Establishing a system where sending and receiving occur at the same time ; producing copies by printing on the front and back surfaces
3. Implementing communication that allows data transmission in both directions simultaneously ; the technique of creating double-sided printed materials

Etymology: "Duplexing" is the present participle of the verb "duplex", which is itself a borrowing from Latin "duplex", meaning "double" or "two-fold". The Latin word is built from "duo", "two", and "plico", "fold together", so its core image is of something folded twice over. The same root sits behind the Greek "diploos", "double", and the Greek "plekō", "twist or braid", which shows how closely the ideas of doubling and weaving sit together in the older languages. The modern sense is a neat reversal of that folding image. In telecommunications, a duplex system sends signals in both directions at once, so the two ends of a line can talk over each other without taking turns. In printing, duplexing means producing a sheet with text or images on both faces. Both senses keep the original idea of two halves working together, but the thing being doubled has changed from a folded fabric or a shape to a flow of messages or ink.

Synonyms: duplicating, copying, reproducing, replicating, mirroring

Antonyms: single, isolated, unique, individual, sole