inversion

Inversion is defined as being upside down.

(noun)

When you stand on your head instead of on your feet, this is an example of inversion.

See inversion in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

an inverting or being inverted
something inverted; reversal
Chem.
1. a chemical change in which an optically active substance is converted into another substance having no effect, or the opposite rotatory effects, on the plane of polarization
2. the conversion of an isomeric compound to its opposite
Gram., Rhetoric a reversal of the normal order of words in a sentence (Ex.: “said he” for “he said”)
Math.
1. the process of using an opposite rule or method
2. an interchange of the terms of a ratio
Meteorol. an atmospheric condition in which the normal properties of layers of air are reversed; esp., a temperature reversal in which a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the surface of the earth, preventing the normal rising of surface air
Music
1. the reversal of the position of the tones in an interval or chord, as by raising the lower tone by an octave, etc.
2. the recurrence of a theme, fugue subject, motive, or figure in identical intervals and note values, but consistently in the opposite direction
Phonet. a position of the tongue in which the tip is turned upward and backward
Psychiatry homosexuality: now seldom used

Origin: L inversio < inversus, pp. of invertere

Related Forms:

See inversion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The act of inverting.
b. The state of being inverted.
An interchange of position of adjacent objects in a sequence, especially a change in normal word order, such as the placement of a verb before its subject.
Music
a. A rearrangement of tones in which the upper and lower voices of a melody are transposed, as in counterpoint.
b. A rearrangement of tones in which each interval in a single melody is applied in the opposite direction.
c. A rearrangement of tones in which the notes of a chord are rearranged such that the bass has a different pitch.
Psychology
a. The taking on of the gender role of the opposite sex.
b. In the theory of Sigmund Freud, homosexuality. No longer in scientific use.
Chemistry Conversion of a substance in which the direction of optical rotation is reversed, from the dextrorotatory to the levorotatory or from the levorotatory to the dextrorotatory form.
Meteorology An atmospheric condition in which the air temperature rises with increasing altitude, holding surface air down and preventing dispersion of pollutants.
Genetics A chromosomal defect in which a segment of the chromosome breaks off and reattaches in the reverse direction.