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
According to the listing, the 12th-gen Kindle also introduces a new dark mode that inverts its black and white E Ink screen for easier reading in the dark, offers faster page turns, and will come with 16GB of storage. Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2024 Simply put, when the 10-year yield is lower than that of the 2-year, the yield curve is inverted – which has almost always preceded a recession since the mid-1970s. Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024 To protect the stem, invert the pumpkin over a large bowl. Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 5 Oct. 2024 Over the course of its first season, the show also inverts our assumptions about the trauma these middle-aged women carry. Judy Berman, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for invert 

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 31 Oct. 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 bodyThe Journal 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

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