1. That which is reciprocal to another thing. Corruption is a reciprocal to generation. Bacon.
2. (Arith. & Alg.)
Defn: The quotient arising from dividing unity by any quantity; thus ¼ is the reciprocal of 4; 1/(a + b) is the reciprocal of a + b. The reciprocal of a fraction is the fraction inverted, or the denominator divided by the numerator.
RECIPROCALITY
Re*cip`ro*cal"i*ty, n.
Defn: The quality or condition of being reciprocal; reciprocalness.
[R.]
RECIPROCALLY
Re*cip"ro*cal*ly, adv.
1. In a reciprocal manner; so that each affects the other, and is equally affected by it; interchangeably; mutually. These two particles to reciprocally affect each other with the same force. Bentley.
2. (Math.)
Defn: In the manner of reciprocals. Reciprocally proportional (Arith. & Alg.), proportional, as two variable quantities, so that the one shall have a constant ratio to the reciprocal of the other.
RECIPROCALNESS
Re*cip"ro*cal*ness, n.