irreducible

adjective

ir·​re·​duc·​ible ˌir-i-ˈdü-sə-bəl How to pronounce irreducible (audio)
-ˈdyü-
1
: impossible to transform into or restore to a desired or simpler condition
an irreducible matrix
specifically : incapable of being factored into polynomials of lower degree with coefficients in some given field (such as the rational numbers) or integral domain (such as the integers)
an irreducible equation
2
: impossible to make less or smaller
an irreducible minimum
irreducibility noun
irreducibly adverb

Examples of irreducible in a Sentence

They thought the world was made up of four irreducible elements: earth, air, fire, and water.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reclaim what is unique and irreducible in these encounters—what cannot be accounted for by the systemic analysis. James Parker, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2024 Ronald Bronstein, 2007) Ronald Bronstein’s sole directorial effort thrums with irreducible personality, an entrée into a chaotic, claustrophobic state of mind within an unforgiving urban environment. Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2024 My Australian friend Estelle took issue with Hartnett’s irreducible Americana energy. Rachel Handler, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2024 The solution for these irreducible representations came to Raskin at a moment when his personal life was filled with chaos. Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 19 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for irreducible 

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of irreducible was in 1633

Dictionary Entries Near irreducible

Cite this Entry

“Irreducible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/irreducible. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

irreducible

adjective
ir·​re·​duc·​ible ˌir-i-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl How to pronounce irreducible (audio)
: not reducible
irreducibility noun
irreducibly adverb

Medical Definition

irreducible

adjective
ir·​re·​duc·​ible ˌir-i-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl How to pronounce irreducible (audio)
: impossible to bring into a desired or normal state
an irreducible hernia
irreducibility noun
plural irreducibilities

More from Merriam-Webster on irreducible

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