inert
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
1synonym study For inert
Other words for inert
Other words from inert
- in·ert·ly, adverb
- in·ert·ness, noun
- non·in·ert, adjective
- non·in·ert·ly, adverb
- non·in·ert·ness, noun
- un·in·ert, adjective
- un·in·ert·ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use inert in a sentence
A startled murmur came from every lip, and Donald Kayne's grasp fell inertly from Nita's wrist.
They Looked and Loved | Mrs. Alex McVeigh MillerShe walked slowly forward, her hands very cold, hanging inertly down, her lips pressed tightly together.
Friendship and Folly | Maria Louise PoolSome one must be making a big bonfire, answered Helen inertly, as her eyes followed the direction of Ediths finger.
Blue Robin, the Girl Pioneer | Rena I. HalseyWicks sat inertly gazing at those familiar stains on the wall which long familiarity had made hateful to him.
A Pagan of the Hills | Charles Neville BuckAt length a bloody and disfigured body rose inertly to the surface, and floated.
The Tiger-Slayer | Gustave Aimard
British Dictionary definitions for inert
/ (ɪnˈɜːt) /
having no inherent ability to move or to resist motion
inactive, lazy, or sluggish
having only a limited ability to react chemically; unreactive
Origin of inert
1Derived forms of inert
- inertly, adverb
- inertness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for inert
[ ĭn-ûrt′ ]
Not chemically reactive.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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