Definition of "dual-purpose" [dual-purpose]

• Designed for or serving two purposes: dual-purpose technologies for commercial and military applications. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Some of the wounded appeared to have fallen victim to cluster munitions called dual-purpose improved conventional munitions, which are regarded by many explosives experts as a scourge."
• "A major concern in dual-purpose shoes like the Austin Pedal is the tradeoff between a comfortable, flexible walking shoe and a stiff sole for pedaling efficiency."
• "Danish designer Tom Rossau solved his own dining and entertaining troubles in his tight flat home by designing this dual-purpose bamboo Convertible Table."