noun

inversion

in-VUR-zhun/ɪnˈvɜːrʒn/

A reversal of the usual order, position, or relationship of something.

The second row shows an inversion of the first row’s order.

A row of three colored blocks reverses from red-blue-yellow to yellow-blue-red.

Etymology

inLatinin, on

+versLatinto turn

+ionLatinact or process

The “turn” root underlies a Latin compound meaning “turn upside down” or “reverse.” Inversion names either that act or the resulting state, applying the image of turning to an order or arrangement.

In context

Ellis Brigham33:52

a cooler, damper layer lower down. And that's essentially the inversion where normal circumstances would be that temperature would fall with height.

Key Skills For Mountain Weather Forecasting

More examples

The diagram shows an inversion of the original arrangement.
The story ends with an inversion of their roles.
The temperature inversion trapped cooler air below warmer air.

Forms

inversion · inversions

invert verb — reverse the order or position

Similar words

reversal: Reversal is the everyday equivalent; inversion often means swapping order or turning a relation upside down.
rearrangement: Rearrangement is any change of order; inversion follows a reversing pattern.