reversible

American  

[ri-vur-suh-buhl] / rɪˈvɜr sə bəl /

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.

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noun

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

reversible British  

/ 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

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noun

1. a reversible garment, esp a coat

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of reversible

First recorded in 1640–50; reverse + -ible

Example Sentences

"We've found that the first step of the chain reaction is reversible, and that some drugs can favor a reverse reaction over the forward reaction," Dr. Bohn said.

From Science Daily

The FDA upgraded the recall Monday to “Class II,” meaning the use of or exposure to the identified products can cause temporary or “medically reversible adverse health consequences.”

From Los Angeles Times

Because the interaction is gentle and reversible, the sensor highlights the affected region while leaving the cell's repair work untouched.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• capricious
• fickle
• fluctuating
• mercurial
• protean
• shifting
• unpredictable
• unsettled
• unstable
• varying
• volatile