reverse-engineer

American  

[ri-vurs-en-juh-neer] / rɪˈvɜrs ɛn dʒəˈnɪər /

verb (used with object)

1. 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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Other Word Forms

• reverse engineering noun

Etymology

Origin of reverse-engineer

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

“These are essentially ways that we can reverse-engineer information on a company’s intellectual capital,” Moghtader says.

From Barron's

And Heico, which makes aftermarket parts, can use AI to reverse-engineer original parts and speed up the process of certifying them as equivalent to those from the original manufacturer.

From Barron's

The problem for regional states wouldn’t only be the initial sale but the likelihood Ankara would reverse-engineer the aircraft to bolster its military industry.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I want to reverse-engineer us to a better future,” Winter said in an interview in 2024.

From Los Angeles Times

We can’t reverse-engineer and modify these things.

From Slate