irreducible

adjective

ir·​re·​duc·​ible ˌir-i-ˈdü-sə-bəl 

-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

ˌir-i-ˌdü-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

-ˌdyü-

noun

irreducibly

ˌir-i-ˈdü-sə-blē 

-ˈdyü-

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

1633, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

irreducible

adjective

ir·​re·​duc·​ible ˌir-i-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl 

: not reducible

irreducibility

-ˌd(y)ü-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

irreducibly

-ˈd(y)ü-sə-blē 

adverb

Medical Definition

irreducible

adjective

ir·​re·​duc·​ible ˌir-i-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl 

: impossible to bring into a desired or normal state

an irreducible hernia

irreducibility

-ˌd(y)ü-sə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural irreducibilities