Reciprocate

01 v. i. To move forward and backward alternately; to recur in vicissitude; to act interchangeably; to alternate.

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.” — Dryden.

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.

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

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