inversion
n.a change in the normal order or position of something. In grammar, it often means putting the verb before the subject to ask a question or add emphasis.
n.the reversal of the normal order, position, or relationship of components within a structure. In linguistics, it specifically refers to the placement of the verb or auxiliary before the subject.
“The question 'Are you?' shows subject-verb inversion.”
“The writer used grammatical inversion to create a more dramatic and formal tone in the opening chapter.”
“Meteorological inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, often leading to a significant buildup of smog in urban basins.”
Often used with 'of' to specify what is being reversed ('inversion of roles', 'inversion of the subject').
From Latin inversiōnem.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.