English Reference
adjective · noun

bipolar

adj. · n.
US /baɪˈpoʊɫɝ/ UK /baɪpˈəʊlɐ/ bipo·lar

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.having two opposite ends or poles, like a magnet or a battery.

    adj.having or involving two poles, extremes, or opposite points of electrical or magnetic charge.

    Simple

    The scientist explained how the bipolar battery works to store energy.

    In context

    The experiment required a bipolar electrode to measure the electrical potential across the cell membrane accurately.

    unipolar
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Informal Medicine

    n.a short way of saying 'bipolar disorder'.

    n.an elliptical reference to bipolar disorder itself.

    Simple

    He was diagnosed with bipolar in his early twenties.

    In context

    Living with bipolar requires a consistent routine and a strong support network of medical professionals and family members.

    bipolar disorder

According to the latest World Health Organization estimates, about one in 200 people worldwide, or roughly 37 million people, live with bipolar disorder.

ScienceDaily· 8 Sept 2026

It came after Gomez publicly discussed her own mental health struggles, including with bipolar disorder.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

From bi- + polar.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated