unidirectional process

[ˌjuːnɪdəˈrekʃənəl ˈprɑːses]
nounpl: unidirectional processes
processo unidirecional
1. A process that occurs in only one direction or follows a single pathway without reversibility
The combustion of fuel is a unidirectional process that cannot be reversed under normal conditions.
A combustão do combustível é um processo unidirecional que não pode ser revertido sob condições normais.
2. In physics and chemistry, a transformation where the initial state cannot be restored from the final state
Entropy increase in an isolated system represents a unidirectional process according to the second law of thermodynamics.
O aumento de entropia em um sistema isolado representa um processo unidirecional de acordo com a segunda lei da termodinâmica.
3. In biology, a metabolic or biological pathway that proceeds in one direction only
Protein synthesis is essentially a unidirectional process, reading from the 5' to 3' direction of mRNA.
A síntese de proteínas é essencialmente um processo unidirecional, lendo na direção de 5' para 3' do mRNA.
This is primarily a scientific and technical term used in academic and professional contexts in both Brazil and Portugal. It appears frequently in physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering disciplines. The term has no colloquial equivalent and maintains the same technical meaning across all Portuguese-speaking regions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
irreversible processone-way processdirectional processnonreversible process
Antonyms / Antônimos
bidirectional processreversible processcyclic processreciprocal process

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
processo unidirecional
Standard term used in scientific and technical contexts throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
processo unidirecional
Common usage in universities and research institutions
São Paulo
processo unidirecional
Frequently used in engineering and chemistry departments
Portugal
processo unidirecional
Same term used; occasionally 'processo de sentido único' in less formal contexts

Related Words

directionalityirreversibilityentropypathwaythermodynamicsequilibrium

Related Idioms & Phrases

one-way street (figurative use in English)
ponto de não retorno (point of no return in Portuguese)
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