Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Requiring the use of both hands: Describing an action, operation, or tool that is performed with or necessitates the simultaneous use of both hands.
   • Designed for two-handed use: Pertaining to an object or device that is specifically made to be operated by a person using both hands.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Playing the piano is a bimanual skill. (Playing the piano requires the coordinated use of both hands.)
  • The surgeon performed a bimanual examination. (The surgeon used both hands to perform the examination.)
  • This industrial control panel is bimanual for safety. (This control panel is designed to be operated with two hands for safety reasons.)

Advanced Usage

• In Ergonomics and Safety: In workplace design, "bimanual" often describes controls that require two separate, concurrent actions (e.g., pressing two buttons) to initiate a dangerous machine operation, ensuring the operator's hands are safely positioned.
  • The press has a bimanual activation system to prevent hand injuries.
• In Medicine and Physical Therapy: Used to describe assessments or rehabilitation exercises that involve both hands.
  • The therapist recommended bimanual tasks to improve coordination.

Variants and Related Words

• Bimanually (adverb): In a manner that uses both hands.
  • The task must be performed bimanually.
• Unimanual (adjective): Requiring or using only one hand. (This is a less common, contrasting term.)
• Two-handed (adjective): This is a common synonym, though it can also imply something is large or requires great strength.

Synonyms

• Two-handed: Involving or requiring both hands.
• Ambidextrous: Technically means able to use both hands equally well, but can sometimes be used in similar contexts regarding two-handed use.

Notes on Meaning

• "Bimanual" vs. "Designed for Two People": While the reference definition includes "designed for two people," this is a less common interpretation. The core meaning of "bimanual" relates to one person using two hands. An object for two people would more precisely be called a "two-person" or "two-person operated" device. "Bimanual" emphasizes the manual (hand) aspect for a single operator.

Adjective

1. requiring two hands or designed for two people
   • a two-handed sledgehammer
   • a two-handed crosscut saw
   • a machine designed for bimanual operation