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Inert

 - 5 dictionary results

in⋅ert

  [in-urt, i-nurt]
Use Inert in a Sentence
–adjective
1. having no inherent power of action, motion, or resistance (opposed to active ): inert matter.
2. Chemistry. having little or no ability to react, as nitrogen that occurs uncombined in the atmosphere.
3. Pharmacology. having no pharmacological action, as the excipient of a pill.
4. inactive or sluggish by habit or nature.
Origin:
1640–50; < L inert- (s. of iners) unskillful, equiv. to in- in- 3 + -ert-, comb. form of art- (s. of ars) skill; see art 1

Related forms:
in⋅ert⋅ly, adverb
in⋅ert⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. immobile, unmoving, lifeless, motionless. 4. See inactive.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Inert
in·ert   (ĭn-ûrt')   
adj.  

  1. Unable to move or act.

  2. Sluggish in action or motion; lethargic. See Synonyms at inactive.

  3. Chemistry Not readily reactive with other elements; forming few or no chemical compounds.

  4. Having no pharmacologic or therapeutic action.


[Latin iners, inert- : in-, not; see in-1 + ars, skill; see ar- in Indo-European roots.]
in·ert'ly adv., in·ert'ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

inert 
1647, from Fr. inerte (16c.), from L. inertem (nom. iners) "unskilled, inactive," from in- "without" + ars (gen. artis) "skill" (see art (n.)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: in·ert
Pronunciation: in-'&rt
Function: adjective
1 : lacking the power to move
2 : deficient in activeproperties; especially : lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action inert drug> —in·ert·ness noun
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

inert in·ert (ĭn-ûrt')
adj.

  1. Sluggish in action or motion; lethargic.

  2. Not readily reactive with other chemical elements; forming few or no chemical compounds.

  3. Having no pharmacologic or therapeutic action.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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