Reciprocate /(rē̇*sĭp"rō̇*kāt)/

Re·cip·ro·cate

Reciprocate

v. i.

imp. & p. p. Reciprocated; p. pr. & vb. n. Reciprocating

  1. To move forward and backward alternately; to recur in vicissitude; to act interchangeably; to alternate.
    One brawny smith the puffing bellows plies, And draws and blows reciprocating air.

Phrases & Compounds
Reciprocating engine
a steam, air, or gas engine, etc., in which the piston moves back and forth; -- in distinction from a rotary engine, in which the piston travels continuously in one direction in a circular path.
Reciprocating motion
motion alternately backward and forward, or up and down, as of a piston rod.

Reciprocate

v. t.
  1. To give and return mutually; to make return for; to give in return; to interchange; to alternate; as, to reciprocate favors.