reversible

[ri-vur-suh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of reversing or of being reversed.

2. able to be reversed or undone so that the original condition is restored.

   Some changes caused by hormonal steroids are not reversible, such as male pattern baldness.

   I knew I'd probably have to replace the canvas someday, so I used a reversible adhesive for easy removal.

3. (of a fabric) woven or printed so that either side may be exposed.

4. that can be worn or displayed with either side out.

   No matter which way he wears this reversible jacket, he'll be warm and stylish.

5. able to be installed so as to be used with either hand, turn clockwise or counterclockwise, open on either side, etc..

   Quiet, roomy, and with a reversible door, this refrigerator comes with a 10-year warranty.

noun

1. a garment, especially a coat, that can be worn with either side exposed.

reversible

/ rɪˈvɜːsəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being reversed

   a reversible decision

2. capable of returning to an original condition

3. chem physics capable of assuming or producing either of two possible states and changing from one to the other

   a reversible reaction

4. thermodynamics (of a change, process, etc) occurring through a number of intermediate states that are all in thermodynamic equilibrium

5. (of a fabric or garment) woven, printed, or finished so that either side may be used as the outer side

noun

1. a reversible garment, esp a coat

Other Word Forms

• reversibility noun
• reversibleness noun
• reversibly adverb
• nonreversible adjective
• nonreversibly adverb
• unreversible adjective
• unreversibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of reversible¹

First recorded in 1640–50; reverse + -ible

Example Sentences

Instead of trying to break apart the final fibrils, therapies could aim at stopping the reversible precursor stage before harmful structures develop.

Read more on Science Daily

“Most of the side effects are reversible upon discontinuation,” says Mathew.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Is what was once viewed as something to be resigned to now seen as reversible, albeit at a cost?

Read more on BBC

The Medina Country Club, a private club in Medina, Ohio, enlisted golf architect Dave Zinkand to renovate its practice facilities and design a short, reversible course that is scheduled to open in October.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She would sometimes use erratic stitching to pattern her clothes or reversible patterns to give a rolled sleeve a bigger pop.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• capricious 
• fickle 
• fluctuating www.thesaurus.com
• mercurial 
• protean 
• shifting www.thesaurus.com
• unpredictable 
• unsettled 
• unstable 
• varying www.thesaurus.com
• volatile