reversible reaction

noun

: a reaction that takes place in either direction according to conditions (as the formation of hydriodic acid by union of hydrogen and iodine or its decomposition into these elements) — compare equilibrium 1b

* * *

Chem.

a reaction that, depending on ambient conditions, can proceed in either of two directions: the production of the reaction products from the reactants, or the production of the original reactants from the formed reaction products. Cf. equilibrium (def. 4).

* * *

reversible reaction noun

1. A chemical reaction that can occur in both directions and, as a mixture of reactants and reaction products is obtained, is incomplete

2. A chemical reaction that can be made to proceed in one direction or the other by altering the conditions

• • •

Main Entry: ↑reverse

* * *

reversible reaction,

a chemical reaction the progress of which may be halted and reversed or, after change has taken place, be caused to occur again in reverse, so as to leave the substances involved once again in their original state: »

A reaction in which the products can interact to form the starting materials is known as a reversible reaction (Parks and Steinbach).