reverse operation

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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. & Zool.) 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]