inert
[ in-urt, ih-nurt ]
/ ɪnˈɜrt, ɪˈnɜrt /
adjective
having no inherent power of action, motion, or resistance (opposed to active): inert matter.
Chemistry.
having little or no ability to react, as nitrogen that occurs uncombined in the atmosphere.
Pharmacology.
having no pharmacological action, as the excipient of a pill.
inactive or sluggish by habit or nature.
Origin of inert
SYNONYMS FOR inert
4 See
inactive.
OTHER WORDS FROM inert
Words nearby inert
inerrable,
inerrancy,
inerrant,
inerrantism,
inerratic,
inert,
inert gas,
inertance,
inertia,
inertia force,
inertia selling
Example sentences from the Web for inert
British Dictionary definitions for inert
inert
/ (ɪnˈɜːt) /
adjective
having no inherent ability to move or to resist motion
inactive, lazy, or sluggish
having only a limited ability to react chemically; unreactive
Derived forms of inert
inertly, adverb inertness, nounWord Origin for inert
C17: from Latin
iners unskilled, from
in-
1 +
ars skill; see
art
1
Medical definitions for inert
inert
[ ĭn-ûrt′ ]
adj.
Sluggish in action or motion; lethargic.
Not readily reactive with other chemical elements; forming few or no chemical compounds.
Having no pharmacologic or therapeutic action.
Scientific definitions for inert
inert
[ ĭn-ûrt′ ]
Not chemically reactive.