# bipolar

/baɪˈpoʊɫɝ/ (US) · /baɪpˈəʊlɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bipolar
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 3. having two poles

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: having or involving two poles, extremes, or opposite points of electrical or magnetic charge.

- The scientist explained how the bipolar battery works to store energy.
- The experiment required a bipolar electrode to measure the electrical potential across the cell membrane accurately.

### 4. bipolar disorder

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a short way of saying 'bipolar disorder'.

For teachers: an elliptical reference to bipolar disorder itself.

- He was diagnosed with bipolar in his early twenties.
- Living with bipolar requires a consistent routine and a strong support network of medical professionals and family members.

## Examples

- He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his early twenties.
- The medication helps manage her bipolar condition by preventing extreme shifts in her daily mood and energy levels.
- During the Cold War, the global political landscape was strictly bipolar, forcing smaller nations to align themselves with either Washington or Moscow to secure economic aid.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.