dual-use
Serves both purposes
Dual-use describes technology, equipment, or materials that serve both civilian and military purposes.
Nuclear reactors generate electricity but also produce weapons-grade material.
Encryption software protects banking transactions and military communications alike.
The term appears frequently in export control discussions: dual-use technologies subject to licensing requirements.
A dual-use item isn't inherently dangerous, but its potential for weaponization creates regulatory concern.
Tools for fighting
- proliferationRapid increase in quantity
- nuclearOf atomic energy
- chemicalSubstance with defined composition
- biologicalRelating to living organisms
export · sanctions · missile · centrifuge · precursor · technology · materiel · munitions
Official rules governing conduct
- licensingGranting official permission
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- embargoOfficial prohibition on trade
- sanctionsPunitive international restrictions
customs · enforcement · trade · restrictions · authorization · monitoring · inspection · verification
Useful for varied applications
- versatileCapable in varied contexts
- convertibleCar with folding roof
- adaptableAble to adjust readily
- hybridThing of mixed parentage
crossover · functional · practical · switchable · transformer · modular · flexible · interchangeable
Converting data into code
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- hardwareMetal goods and fittings
- cybersecurityProtection of digital systems
components · chips · semiconductors · sensors · drones · GPS · satellites · radar
Acquired new capability
- biosecurityProtection against biological threats
- laboratoryFacility for scientific investigation
- ethicsStudy of right conduct
- pathogensDisease-causing microorganisms
experiments · oversight · publication · findings · academic · scientific · review · institutional
weapons
Tools for fighting
- proliferationRapid increase in quantity
- nuclearOf atomic energy
- chemicalSubstance with defined composition
biological · export · sanctions · missile · centrifuge · precursor · technology · materiel · munitions · treaty
regulation
Official rules governing conduct
- licensingGranting official permission
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- embargoOfficial prohibition on trade
sanctions · customs · enforcement · trade · restrictions · authorization · monitoring · inspection · verification · loopholes
multipurpose
Useful for varied applications
- versatileCapable in varied contexts
- convertibleCar with folding roof
- adaptableAble to adjust readily
hybrid · crossover · functional · practical · switchable · transformer · modular · flexible · interchangeable · two-way
encryption
Converting data into code
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- hardwareMetal goods and fittings
cybersecurity · components · chips · semiconductors · sensors · drones · GPS · satellites · radar · communications
gain-of-function
Acquired new capability
- biosecurityProtection against biological threats
- laboratoryFacility for scientific investigation
- ethicsStudy of right conduct
pathogens · experiments · oversight · publication · findings · academic · scientific · review · institutional · funding
- export controlsexport controls, export license, export ban, restricted goods, restricted items
dual-usesingle-use
For one application only
dedicated · specialized · purpose-built · one-trick · bespoke
dual-useconsumer-grade
Designed for ordinary buyers
weapons-grade · uncontrolled · munitions · unrestricted · benign
dual, use, duel, duality, dualism, dualist, dualistic, dually, used