inversion

in·ver·sion  (n-vûrzhn, -shn)

n.

1.

a. The act of inverting.

b. The state of being inverted.

2. An interchange of position of adjacent objects in a sequence, especially a change in normal word order, such as the placement of a verb before its subject.

3. Music

a. A rearrangement of tones in which the upper and lower voices of a melody are transposed, as in counterpoint.

b. A rearrangement of tones in which each interval in a single melody is applied in the opposite direction.

c. A rearrangement of tones in which the notes of a chord are rearranged such that the bass has a different pitch.

4. Psychology

a. The taking on of the gender role of the opposite sex.

b. In the theory of Sigmund Freud, homosexuality. No longer in scientific use.

5. Chemistry Conversion of a substance in which the direction of optical rotation is reversed, from the dextrorotatory to the levorotatory or from the levorotatory to the dextrorotatory form.

6. Meteorology An atmospheric condition in which the air temperature rises with increasing altitude, holding surface air down and preventing dispersion of pollutants.

7. Genetics A chromosomal defect in which a segment of the chromosome breaks off and reattaches in the reverse direction.

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[Latin inversi, inversin-, from inversus, past participle of invertere, to invert; see invert.]

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inversion

Noun

1. the act of inverting or state of being inverted

2. something inverted, esp. a reversal of order, functions, etc.: an inversion of their previous relationship

inversive adj

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inversion  (n-vûrzhn)

A departure from the normal effect of altitude on a meteorological property, especially an atmospheric condition in which the air temperature rises with increasing altitude. A layer of air that is warmer than the air below it is called an inversion layer. Such a layer traps the surface air in place and prevents dispersion of any pollutants it contains.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	inversion - the layer of air near the earth is cooler than an overlying layer atmospheric phenomenon - a physical phenomenon associated with the atmosphere
	2.	inversion - abnormal condition in which an organ is turned inward or inside out (as when the upper part of the uterus is pulled into the cervical canal after childbirth) abnormalcy, abnormality - an abnormal physical condition resulting from defective genes or developmental deficiencies
	3.	inversion - a chemical process in which the direction of optical rotation of a substance is reversed from dextrorotatory to levorotary or vice versa chemical action, chemical change, chemical process - (chemistry) any process determined by the atomic and molecular composition and structure of the substances involved
	4.	inversion - (genetics) a kind of mutation in which the order of the genes in a section of a chromosome is reversed genetic science, genetics - the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms chromosomal mutation, genetic mutation, mutation - (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism
	5.	inversion - the reversal of the normal order of words anastrophe rhetorical device - a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)
	6.	inversion - (counterpoint) a variation of a melody or part in which ascending intervals are replaced by descending intervals and vice versa counterpoint - a musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or more melodies variation - a repetition of a musical theme in which it is modified or embellished
	7.	inversion - a term formerly used to mean taking on the gender role of the opposite sex sexual inversion gayness, homoeroticism, homosexualism, homosexuality, queerness - a sexual attraction to (or sexual relations with) persons of the same sex
	8.	inversion - turning upside down; setting on end upending movement, motility, motion, move - a change of position that does not entail a change of location; "the reflex motion of his eyebrows revealed his surprise"; "movement is a sign of life"; "an impatient move of his hand"; "gastrointestinal motility" overturn, turnover, upset - the act of upsetting something; "he was badly bruised by the upset of his sled at a high speed"
	9.	inversion - the act of turning inside out everting, eversion movement, motility, motion, move - a change of position that does not entail a change of location; "the reflex motion of his eyebrows revealed his surprise"; "movement is a sign of life"; "an impatient move of his hand"; "gastrointestinal motility"

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inversion

noun reversal, opposite, antithesis, transposition, contrary, contrariety, contraposition, transposal, antipode