inverse definition | Dictionary.com

Synonyms

backward, contrary, opposite, reciprocal, reverse, changed, converse,

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inverse - 8 dictionary results

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in⋅verse

[adj., n. in-vurs, in-vurs; v. in-vurs]

adjective, noun, verb, -versed, -vers⋅ing.

–adjective

1.	reversed in position, order, direction, or tendency.

Mathematics.

a.	(of a proportion) containing terms of which an increase in one results in a decrease in another. A term is said to be in inverse proportion to another term if it increases (or decreases) as the other decreases (or increases).

b.	of or pertaining to an inverse function. Compare direct (def. 16).

3.	inverted; turned upside down.

–noun

4.	an inverted state or condition.

5.	something that is inverse; the direct opposite.

Mathematics.

a.	an element of an algebraic system, as a group, corresponding to a given element such that its product or sum with the given element is the identity element.

b.	inverse function.

c.	a point related to a given point so that it is situated on the same radius, extended if necessary, of a given circle or sphere and so that the product of the distances of the two points from the center equals the square of the radius of the circle or sphere.

d.	the set of such inverses of the points of a given set, as the points on a curve.

–verb (used with object)

7.	to invert.

Origin:
1605–15; < L inversus, ptp. of invertere to turn upside down or inside out, reverse. See in- ² , verse

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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Language Translation for : inverse

Spanish:

anti, contra,

German:

gegen,

Japanese:

逆の－

View 30 other languages »

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in·verse (ĭn-vûrs', ĭn'vûrs') Pronunciation Key
adj.

Reversed in order, nature, or effect.
Mathematics Of or relating to an inverse or an inverse function.
Archaic Turned upside down; inverted.

n. (ĭn'vûrs', ĭn-vûrs')

Something that is opposite, as in sequence or character; the reverse.
Mathematics One of a pair of elements in a set whose result under the operation of the set is the identity element, especially:
1. The reciprocal of a designated quantity. Also called multiplicative inverse.
2. The negative of a designated quantity. Also called additive inverse.

[Middle English, from Latin inversus, past participle of invertere, to invert; see invert.]

in·verse'ly adv.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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inverse

1440, from L. inversus, pp. of invertere (see invert).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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inverse
adjective
1.	reversed (turned backward) in order or nature or effect
2.	opposite in nature or effect or relation to another quantity ; "a term is in inverse proportion to another term if it increases (or decreases) as the other decreases (or increases)" [ant: direct]
noun
1.	something inverted in sequence or character or effect; "when the direct approach failed he tried the inverse"

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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inverse
Adjective   (ĭn-vûrs')
Relating to a mathematical operation whose nature or effect is the opposite of another operation. For example, addition and subtraction are inverse operations, as are multiplication and division.

Noun   (ĭn'vûrs')

An inverse operation. Subtraction is the inverse of addition.
Either of a pair of elements in a set whose result under the mathematical operation of the set is the identity element. For example, the inverse of 5 under multiplication is ¹/₅ , since 5 × ¹/₅ = 1, the identity element under multiplication. The inverse of 5 under addition is -5, since 5 + -5 = 0.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source

inverse mathematics
Given a function, f : D -> C, a function g : C -> D is called a left inverse for f if for all d in D, g (f d) = d and a right inverse if, for all c in C, f (g c) = c and an inverse if both conditions hold. Only an injection has a left inverse, only a surjection has a right inverse and only a bijection has inverses. The inverse of f is often written as f with a -1 superscript.
(1996-03-12)

Inverse

In*verse"\, a. [L. inversus, p. p. of invertere: cf. F. inverse. See Invert.]

1. Opposite in order, relation, or effect; reversed; inverted; reciprocal; -- opposed to direct.

2. (Bot.) Inverted; having a position or mode of attachment the reverse of that which is usual.

3. (Math.) Opposite in nature and effect; -- said with reference to any two operations, which, when both are performed in succession upon any quantity, reproduce that quantity; as, multiplication is the inverse operation to division. The symbol of an inverse operation is the symbol of the direct operation with -1 as an index. Thus sin-1 x means the arc whose sine is x.

Inverse figures (Geom.), two figures, such that each point of either figure is inverse to a corresponding point in the order figure.

Inverse points (Geom.), two points lying on a line drawn from the center of a fixed circle or sphere, and so related that the product of their distances from the center of the circle or sphere is equal to the square of the radius.

Inverse, or Reciprocal, ratio (Math.), the ratio of the reciprocals of two quantities.

Inverse, or Reciprocal, {proportion, an equality between a direct ratio and a reciprocal ratio; thus, 4 : 2 : : 1/3 : 1/6, or 4 : 2 : : 3 : 6, inversely.

Inverse

In*verse"\, a. [L. inversus, p. p. of invertere: cf. F. inverse. See Invert.]

1. Opposite in order, relation, or effect; reversed; inverted; reciprocal; -- opposed to direct.

2. (Bot.) Inverted; having a position or mode of attachment the reverse of that which is usual.

Inverse figures (Geom.), two figures, such that each point of either figure is inverse to a corresponding point in the order figure.

Inverse, or Reciprocal, ratio (Math.), the ratio of the reciprocals of two quantities.

Inverse, or Reciprocal, {proportion, an equality between a direct ratio and a reciprocal ratio; thus, 4 : 2 : : 1/3 : 1/6, or 4 : 2 : : 3 : 6, inversely.

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