ireversibel

Ireversibel is a term used in Dutch to denote something that cannot be reversed to its original state. The standard Dutch spelling is irreversibel; ireversibel is a nonstandard variant or stylized form that may appear in titles, branding, or typographical choices.

In scientific usage, the adjective describes processes that are thermodynamically or kinetically irreversible: for example, most natural processes increase entropy and cannot be undone without external intervention. In thermodynamics, an irreversible process produces entropy and cannot be reversed simply by reversing the direction of time; it typically requires changes in the surroundings. In chemistry, irreversible reactions proceed toward products that do not readily re-form reactants under ordinary conditions. In material science, deformation, fracture, and phase changes can be irreversible, leaving permanent changes in the material.

In other contexts, irreversible describes decisions or developments that cannot be undone or restored, such as the loss of biodiversity, the extinction of features, or long-lasting impacts of environmental change. In information theory and computing, irreversibility is discussed in relation to data erasure and the thermodynamic cost of information loss (Landauer’s principle).

Origin and usage notes: the term derives from Latin irreversibilis, through French irréversible, into Dutch irreversibel. The prefix ir- marks negation before r. While irreversibel is the standard Dutch spelling, ireversibel may appear as a stylistic variant or in branding and titles.

See also: irreversibility, entropy, irreversible reaction, Landauer’s principle, irreversible process.