inertial system


noun Physics.

a frame of reference in which a body remains at rest or moves with constant linear velocity unless acted upon by forces: any frame of reference that moves with constant velocity relative to an inertial system is itself an inertial system.
Also called inertial reference frame.
Compare law of motion.

Origin of inertial system

First recorded in 1950–55

British Dictionary definitions for inertial system

inertial system

noun

a frame of reference within which bodies are not accelerated unless acted upon by external forces Also called: inertial reference frame