single-direction path

[ˈsɪŋɡəl dɪˈrekʃən pæθ]
nounpl: single-direction paths
caminho de mão única
1. A route or pathway that allows movement or traffic in only one direction
The alley is a single-direction path to prevent congestion during rush hour.
A viela é um caminho de mão única para evitar congestionamento durante a hora do rush.
2. In computing and graph theory, a directed edge or connection that permits data flow or traversal in one direction only
In the algorithm, a single-direction path connects node A to node B but not vice versa.
No algoritmo, um caminho de mão única conecta o nó A ao nó B, mas não o contrário.
3. A figurative reference to an irreversible course of action or decision
Once you sign the contract, you're on a single-direction path with no turning back.
Uma vez que você assina o contrato, você está em um caminho de mão única sem volta.
In Brazil, 'caminho de mão única' is commonly used in urban planning and traffic regulations. The term is also frequently employed in computing and technical contexts. In the USA, 'single-direction path' is more prevalent in technical and academic discourse, while 'one-way path' is more colloquial. The concept relates to broader urban traffic management strategies that became standardized in major cities during the 20th century.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
one-way pathunidirectional pathdirected pathone-directional route
Antonyms / Antônimos
bidirectional pathtwo-way pathmulti-directional pathreversible path

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
caminho de mão única
Standard term used throughout Brazil for physical paths and figurative meanings
Rio de Janeiro
via de mão única
Common alternative, especially for urban traffic contexts
São Paulo
pista de mão única
Often used in automotive and traffic management contexts
Portugal
caminho de sentido único
Preferred terminology in European Portuguese for legal/official contexts

Related Words

one-way streetdirected graphtraffic flowroutecorridorpassage

Related Idioms & Phrases

on a one-way street
no turning back
point of no return
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