—adj. inverted in position, order, or relation.
—n.
1 the state of being inverted.
2 (often foll. by of) a thing that is the opposite or reverse of another.
3 Math. an element which, when combined with a given element in an operation, produces the identity element for that operation.
Phrases and idioms:
inverse proportion (or ratio) a relation between two quantities such that one increases in proportion as the other decreases. inverse square law a law by which the intensity of an effect, such as gravitational force, illumination, etc., changes in inverse proportion to the square of the distance from the source.
Derivatives:
inversely adv.
Etymology: L inversus past part. of invertere: see INVERT
Useful english dictionary. 2012.