reversible
Americanadjective
-
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.
-
(of a fabric) woven or printed so that either side may be exposed.
-
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.
-
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
adjective
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capable of being reversed
a reversible decision
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capable of returning to an original condition
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chem physics capable of assuming or producing either of two possible states and changing from one to the other
a reversible reaction
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thermodynamics (of a change, process, etc) occurring through a number of intermediate states that are all in thermodynamic equilibrium
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(of a fabric or garment) woven, printed, or finished so that either side may be used as the outer side
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reversible
Explanation
A sweater designed to be worn right-side-out and inside-out is reversible. The health effects of a cold are reversible, too. Reversible means able to be undone or able to be used inside-out. The great thing about reversible clothes is that it's like getting two pieces for the price of one. The great thing about reversible damage is that it can be fixed. Damage that can't be fixed is called irreversible, but t-shirts meant to be worn only one way are simply called t-shirts.
Vocabulary lists containing reversible
-able, -ible
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-able, -ible
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"The MGMT Solution," Vocabulary from Chapter 7
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Perhaps the most significant finding was that some age-related mitochondrial changes appeared reversible.
From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026
A medically-induced coma is when sedatives are used to put a patient into a reversible state of deep unresponsiveness, to try and protect the brain from traumatic damage.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
But rare cases can include kidney problems that can develop into acute but reversible renal failure.
From Barron's • May 4, 2026
These include frequent optimizations “for limited time and energy,” and my “bias toward reversible decisions.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026
Has it ever occurred to you that it is reversible?
From "1984" by George Orwell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
