Reverse operation

Reverse Re*verse", a. [OE. revers, OF. revers, L. reversus, p. p. of revertere. See {Revert}.] 1. Turned backward; having a contrary or opposite direction; hence; opposite or contrary in kind; as, the reverse order or method. ``A vice reverse unto this.'' --Gower. [1913 Webster]

2. Turned upside down; greatly disturbed. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

He found the sea diverse With many a windy storm reverse. --Gower. [1913 Webster]

3. (Bot. & Zo["o]l.) Reversed; as, a reverse shell. [1913 Webster]

{Reverse bearing} (Surv.), the bearing of a back station as observed from the station next in advance.

{Reverse curve} (Railways), a curve like the letter S, formed of two curves bending in opposite directions.

{Reverse fire} (Mil.), a fire in the rear.

{Reverse operation} (Math.), an operation the steps of which are taken in a contrary order to that in which the same or similar steps are taken in another operation considered as direct; an operation in which that is sought which in another operation is given, and that given which in the other is sought; as, finding the length of a pendulum from its time of vibration is the reverse operation to finding the time of vibration from the length. [1913 Webster]