irreducible
UK: ˌɪrɪˈdjuːsəbl | US: ˌɪrɪˈduːsəbl
adj. incapable of being reduced or simplified further
adj. (mathematics) unable to be factored into simpler components
adj. (chemistry) not able to be reduced to a lower oxidation state
The word "irreducible" originates from Latin irreducibilis, combining the negative prefix ir- (variant of in- before "r"), the iterative prefix re- ("again"), and the root ducere ("to lead"). The suffix -ible (from Latin -ibilis) indicates capability. Literally, it means "not capable of being led back (to a simpler form)." Over time, it evolved to describe things that resist simplification or transformation, particularly in mathematics and science.
The problem was deemed irreducible to a single cause.
In algebra, an irreducible polynomial cannot be factored further.
Her stubbornness made her arguments irreducible.
The compound remained irreducible under standard lab conditions.
The conflict reached an irreducible point of tension.