bifacial
|bi-fac-ial|
/ˌbaɪˈfeɪʃəl/
two-sided / two-faced
Etymology
'bifacial' originates from Latin, specifically the prefix 'bi-' (from Latin 'bis') meaning 'two' and 'facies' meaning 'face'.
'bifacial' was formed in Modern English by combining the Latin-derived prefix 'bi-' with 'facial' (from Latin 'facialis', via French/Latin influence). The compound reflects a straightforward creation in English rather than descent from a single older English word.
Initially the elements literally conveyed 'two-faced' (having two faces); over time the term has kept that basic sense while also gaining specialized technical senses (e.g., stone tools worked on both faces, solar panels that collect light on both sides).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having two faces or two sides; two-sided.
The ancient coin was bifacial, showing a different design on each side.
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Adjective 2
(Technical, electronics/renewable energy) Designed to collect or operate on both faces — for example, a solar panel that generates power from light striking either side.
Bifacial solar panels can produce more energy because they absorb light on both the front and the back.
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Last updated: 2025/08/24 10:53