inverse

The definition of inverse is reverse or direct opposite.

(adjective)

An example of something inverse is the relationship between division and multiplication.

An inverse is defined as a reverse or direct opposite, particularly in math.

(noun)

An example of an inverse is 1/4 to 4.

See inverse in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

inverted; reversed in order or relation; directly opposite
Math. designating or of an operation which, when applied after a specific operation, cancels it: subtraction is the inverse operation of addition

Origin: L inversus, pp. of invertere

noun

any inverse thing; direct opposite
Math.
1. the result of an inversion
2. the result obtained after dividing 1 by the given number; reciprocal: the inverse of x is 1/x

transitive verb inversed, inversing

Rare to invert; reverse

Related Forms:

See inverse in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

noun (ĭnˈvûrsˌ, ĭn-vûrsˈ)

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:
a. The reciprocal of a designated quantity. Also called multiplicative inverse.
b. The negative of a designated quantity. Also called additive inverse.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Latin inversus

Origin: , past participle of invertere, to invert; see invert

Related Forms: