one-directional flow

[/wʌn daɪˈrɛkʃənəl floʊ/]
nounpl: one-directional flows
fluxo unidirecional
1. Movement or transfer of something in a single direction only, without reversal or bidirectional exchange
The one-directional flow of water through the pipe prevents backflow.
O fluxo unidirecional de água através do tubo evita o refluxo.
2. In communication or information transfer, data or messages moving from one point to another without feedback or return
Traditional broadcasting operates on a one-directional flow from sender to receiver.
A radiodifusão tradicional opera em um fluxo unidirecional do emissor para o receptor.
3. In economics or trade, goods or resources moving primarily in one direction between entities
The trade agreement created a one-directional flow of resources from the developing nation.
O acordo comercial criou um fluxo unidirecional de recursos da nação em desenvolvimento.
This term is primarily used in technical, scientific, and engineering contexts in both Brazilian and American English. In Brazil, it's commonly encountered in discussions of infrastructure (traffic, water systems) and telecommunications. The concept reflects modern discussions about communication asymmetry, particularly relevant in debates about media consumption and social media algorithms in both cultures.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
unidirectional flowone-way flowdirectional flowunilateral flowlinear flow
Antonyms / Antônimos
bidirectional flowtwo-way flowreciprocal flowmultidirectional flowcircular flow

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fluxo unidirecional
Standard technical and academic usage
São Paulo
fluxo unidirecional / fluxo de mão única
More common in engineering and infrastructure contexts
Rio de Janeiro
fluxo unidirecional
Technical usage, less colloquial variation
Portugal
fluxo unidirecional / escoamento unidirecional
Academic and technical usage; 'escoamento' preferred in fluid dynamics

Related Words

flow directionflow ratecurrentstreamfluxdirectionalunidirectionalcheck valve

Related Idioms & Phrases

flow in one direction
one-way street (metaphorical use)
traffic flows one way
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