1. vb. [Drilling]
To alternately raise and lower the drillstring, casing string or liner in the wellbore. Reciprocation is usually limited to 30 to 60 ft [9 to 18 m] of vertical travel in the derrick. The purpose of reciprocating the drillstring is usually to clean cuttings and other debris from the wellbore. Reciprocating the strings can improve the chances of a good cement job in casing or liners.
