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

1640–50; < Latin inert- (stem of iners) unskillful, equivalent to in- in-3 + -ert-, combining form of art- (stem of ars) skill; see art1

OTHER WORDS FROM inert

Example sentences from the Web for inertness

British Dictionary definitions for inertness

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, noun

Word Origin for inert

C17: from Latin iners unskilled, from in- 1 + ars skill; see art 1

Medical definitions for inertness

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 inertness

inert
[ ĭn-ûrt ]

Not chemically reactive.