Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Inverse
1.
Opposite in order, relation, or effect; reversed; inverted; reciprocal; – opposed to
direct
. 2.
(Bot.)
Inverted; having a position or mode of attachment the reverse of that which is usual.
3.
(Math.)
Opposite in nature and effect; – said with reference to any two operations, which, when both are performed in succession upon any quantity, reproduce that quantity;
as, multiplication is the
. The symbol of an inverse operation is the symbol of the direct operation with inverse
operation to division-1
as an index. Thus
sin
means the arc or angle whose sine is x. -1
x
Inverse figures
(Geom.)
, two figures, such that each point of either figure is inverse to a corresponding point in the order figure.
– Inverse points
(Geom.)
, two points lying on a line drawn from the center of a fixed circle or sphere, and so related that the product of their distances from the center of the circle or sphere is equal to the square of the radius.
– Inverse ratio
, or
Reciprocal ratio
(Math.)
, the ratio of the reciprocals of two quantities.
– Inverse proportion
, or Reciprocal proportion
an equality between a direct ratio and a reciprocal ratio; thus,
4 : 2 : : ⅓ : 1⁄6
, or 4 : 2 : : 3 : 6, inversely.In′verse
,Noun.
That which is inverse.
Thus the course of human study is the
inverse
of the course of things in nature. Tatham.
Webster 1828 Edition
Inverse
INVERSE
,Adj.
Inverted; reciprocal. Inverse proportion or ratio, is when the effect or result of any operation is less in proportion as the cause is greater, or is greater in proportion as the cause is less. Thus the time in which a quantity of work may be performed, will be less in proportion as the number of workmen is greater, and greater in proportion as the number of workmen is less. If ten men can perform a certain quantity of work in six days,then twenty men will perform the same work in three days. Inverse proportion is opposed to direct.