| irreducible | 1. Incapable of being reduced, or brought into a different state; incapable of restoration to its proper or normal condition; as, an irreducible hernia. 2. <mathematics> Incapable of being reduced to a simpler form of expression; as, an irreducible formula. <mathematics> Irreducible case, a particular case in the solution of a cubic equation, in which the formula commonly employed contains an imaginary quantity, and therefore fails in its application. Irredu"cibleness, Irredu"cibly. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| irreducible hernia | A hernia that cannot be reduced without operation. Synonym: incarcerated hernia. (05 Mar 2000) |