reverse-engineer
[ ri-vurs-en-juh-neer ]
/ rɪˈvɜrs ɛn dʒəˈnɪər /
verb (used with object)
to study or analyze (a device, as a microchip for computers) in order to learn details of design, construction, and operation, perhaps to produce a copy or an improved version.
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Origin of reverse-engineer
First recorded in 1955–60
OTHER WORDS FROM reverse-engineer
reverse engineering, nounWords nearby reverse-engineer
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for reverse-engineer
If we reverse-engineer the progress of the Boeing 777 from this single moment of clarity, where does it begin to get complicated?
But chefs say their motives are mainly educational: They use them to reverse-engineer their own versions.
Anyone can reverse-engineer a terrific dish , and recreate it elsewhere—whether they attribute it to the original chef or not.
In ‘The Knockoff Economy,’ The Upside to Ripping Off Others’ Ideas|Kal Raustiala, Christopher Sprigman|September 8, 2012|DAILY BEAST