invert

1 of 2

verb

in·​vert in-ˈvərt How to pronounce invert (audio)
inverted; inverting

transitive verb

1
a
: to reverse in position, order, or relationship
b
: to subject to inversion
2
a
: to turn inside out or upside down
b
: to turn inward
3
: to find the mathematical reciprocal of
to divide using fractions, invert the divisor and multiply
4
: to reincorporate (a company) as a new entity in a foreign country : to put (a company) through the process of inversion (see inversion sense 6)
Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress have questioned the patriotism of corporate executives who elect to invert their companies.Stephen Ohlemacher

invert

2 of 2

noun

in·​vert ˈin-ˌvərt How to pronounce invert (audio)
: one characterized by inversion
Choose the Right Synonym for invert

reverse, transpose, invert mean to change to the opposite position.

reverse is the most general term and may imply change in order, side, direction, meaning.

reversed his position on the trade agreement

transpose implies a change in order or relative position of units often through exchange of position.

transposed the letters to form an anagram

invert applies chiefly to turning upside down or inside out.

the number 9 looks like an inverted 6

Examples of invert in a Sentence

Verb The lens inverts the image. The number 9 looks like an inverted 6. invert the order of two words in a sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
But lower production costs would invert that formula, making EVs cheaper to buy up-front but more expensive in the long run. José Rodríguez Jr. / Jalopnik, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2024 All manner of pants polarities rapidly inverted themselves. Jonah Weiner, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 But with the emergence of Trumpism, that whole incentive structure is being inverted. Christian Schneider, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024 Let cool for 10 minutes in pan before inverting onto a wire tray. Ethel G. Hofman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2024 Tips for Choosing the Right Hummingbird Feeder Type There are two main types of hummingbird feeders: saucer and bottle feeders (sometimes called inverted) . Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2024 To ensure flexibility of placement, the M40 can have its left and right channels inverted to accommodate power outlets. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Orbiting, stalling, inverting The study team compiled hundreds of slow-motion videos capturing the behaviors of butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, dragonflies and damselflies, and found that the critters were not attracted to faraway lights. Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 7 Feb. 2024 Uncover and invert the slab of coffee gelatin onto a cutting board. Bonnie S. Benwick, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'invert.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin invertere, from in- + vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

Verb

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1827, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of invert was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near invert

Cite this Entry

“Invert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invert. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

invert

verb
in·​vert
in-ˈvərt
1
: to reverse the position, order, or relationship of
2
a
: to turn inside out or upside down
b
: to turn inward
3
: to find the mathematical reciprocal of
to divide using fractions, invert the divisor and multiply

Medical Definition

invert

transitive verb
in·​vert in-ˈvərt How to pronounce invert (audio)
1
a
: to reverse in position, order, or relationship
adjacent sequences of DNA and RNA that are complementary and inverted
b
: to subject to inversion
2
a
: to turn inside out or upside down
b
: to turn inward
when a foot is inverted its forepart tends to approach the midline of the bodyJournal of the American Medical Association

intransitive verb

: to undergo inversion
a normal nipple that inverts later in life can be an ominous signP. G. Donohue

More from Merriam-Webster on invert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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