Inverse definition

ĭn-vûrs, ĭnvûrs
Inverted; reversed in order or relation; directly opposite.
adjective
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An inverse is defined as a reverse or direct opposite, particularly in math.

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

noun
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The definition of inverse is reverse or direct opposite.

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

adjective
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The result of an inversion.
noun
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The result obtained after dividing 1 by the given number; reciprocal.

The inverse of x is 1/x.

noun
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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.
adjective
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An inverse operation. Subtraction is the inverse of addition.
noun
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Opposite in effect or nature or order.
adjective
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Reverse, opposite in order.
adjective
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(mathematics) Having the properties of an inverse; said with reference to any two operations, which, when both are performed in succession upon any quantity, reproduce that quantity.

Multiplication is the inverse operation to division.

adjective
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(linguistics, Kiowa-Tanoan) A grammatical number marking that indicates the opposite grammatical number (numbers) of the default number specification of noun class.
adjective
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(category theory) A morphism which is both a left inverse and a right inverse.
adjective
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The opposite of a given, due to contrary nature or effect.

Deposing is the opposite of installing, and vice versa.

noun
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The reverse version of a procedure.

Removing one's shoes is the inverse of putting one's shoes on.

noun
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(mathematics) The inverse of an element x with respect to a binary operation is an element that when combined with x yields the appropriate identity element.

The additive inverse of x is -x as, x + -x = 0 where 0 is the additive identity element.

The multiplicative inverse of x is x-1 as, x * x-1 = 1 where 1 is the multiplicative identity element.

The compositional inverse of a function f is f–1 as, f f–1 is the identity function (ie f–1(f(a)) = a for all a).

noun
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(logic) A statement constructed from the negatives of the premise and conclusion of some other statement: ~p → ~q is the inverse of p → q.
noun
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(surveying) To compute the bearing and distance between two points.
verb
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(mathematics) One of a pair of elements in a set whose result under the operation of the set is the identity element, especially:
  • The reciprocal of a designated quantity.
  • The negative of a designated quantity.
noun
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(mathematics) Of or relating to an inverse or an inverse function.
adjective
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(archaic) Turned upside down; inverted.
adjective
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Reversed in order, nature, or effect.
adjective
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2
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 is1 /5 , since 5 ×1 /5 = 1, the identity element under multiplication. The inverse of 5 under addition is −5, since 5 + −5 = 0.
noun
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Any inverse thing; direct opposite.
noun
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1
(botany) Inverted; having a position or mode of attachment the reverse of that which is usual.
adjective
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1
Something that is opposite, as in sequence or character; the reverse.
noun
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(math.) Designating or of an operation which, when applied after a specific operation, cancels it.

Subtraction is the inverse operation of addition.

adjective
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
inverse
Plural:
inverses

Origin of inverse

  • Middle English from Latin inversus past participle of invertere to invert invert

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Recorded since 1440, from Latin inversus, the past participle of invertere 'to invert', itself from in- 'in, on' + vertere 'to turn'

    From Wiktionary

Inverse Sentence Examples

  • There we proceeded from the direct to the inverse operations.

  • In general theory the inverse rule seems to prevail.

  • There is therefore as yet no ground for regarding any deviation from the law of inverse square as more than a possibility.

  • The process of dispersion is the inverse of that of absorption, and exhibits similar features.

  • The mathematical function log x or log x is one of the small group of transcendental functions, consisting only of the circular functions (direct and inverse) sin x, cos x, &c., arc sin x or sin-' x,&c., log x and e x which are universally treated in analysis as known functions.

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Words near inverse in the Dictionary