omnidirectional

adj

Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₃ep-der. Proto-Italic *opnis Latin omnisder. English omni- English direction Proto-Indo-European *h₂el-der.? Proto-Italic *-ālis Latin -ālisbor. Old French -albor. ▲ Latin -ālis Old French -elbor. ▲ Latin -ālisbor. Middle English -al English -al English directional English omnidirectional From omni- + directional.

1. In every direction, especially of a radio system capable of transmitting or receiving signals in all directions, or of a microphone capable of detecting sound from all directions.

   “An omnidirectional radio beacon.”

2. Having a ring-shaped radiation pattern, with equal radiation in all azimuthal directions.

   “The radiation pattern of an omnidirectional antenna looks like a doughnut, with the antenna in the center of the doughnut, as depicted in Figure 17.1.”

3. Of such an attack or effect that encompasses all directions.

   “The ascendancy of the offensive over the defensive stems particularly from the ability of advanced weapon systems to penetrate enemy defenses. The combination of great speed and great altitude, taken together with numbers during a mass launch, ensures that selected targets will be reached. Improvements clearly possible through the use of decoys, multiple warheads, electronic countermeasures, varying trajectories, maneuverability, feinting, and omnidirectional attack will further increase the ability penetrate defenses.”

   “Any defense posture that he may have that would be common for any ballistic missile would not suffice for a low-altitude omnidirectional high-speed nuclear ramjet missile.”