interconversion

interconversion

Two chemical compounds undergo interconversion in a sealed glass flask.

Definition

Noun: The act or process of converting (changing) one thing into another, and back again, especially in a reciprocal or mutual manner. It describes a two-way transformation where each form can be changed into the other.

Usage Examples
  • (Water can change into ice, and ice can melt back into water.)
  • (One isomer can be changed into another isomer, and vice versa.)
  • (Energy can be transformed from one type to another and back again.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Interconversion rate": the speed at which one form changes into another and back.
    • The interconversion rate of the two chemical compounds depends on temperature. (How quickly they change into each other is affected by heat.)
  • "Reversible interconversion": a process that can go in both directions without loss.
    • The reversible interconversion of glucose and fructose is catalyzed by an enzyme. (The change can happen both ways with the help of a biological catalyst.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Interconvert (verb): to convert (change) one thing into another and back again.
    • Scientists can interconvert these two forms of the molecule. (They can change one into the other and back.)
  • Interconvertible (adjective): capable of being interconverted.
    • The two substances are interconvertible under certain conditions. (They can be changed into each other.)
Synonyms
  • Mutual conversion: a change that happens in both directions.
  • Two-way transformation: a process where each form can become the other.
  • Reciprocal change: a change that is matched by an opposite change.
Related Idioms