inert: Meaning and Definition of

in•ert

Pronunciation: (in-ûrt', i-nûrt'), [key]
— adj.
  1. having no inherent power of action, motion, or resistance (opposed to active): inert matter.
  2. having little or no ability to react, as nitrogen that occurs uncombined in the atmosphere.
  3. having no pharmacological action, as the excipient of a pill.
  4. inactive or sluggish by habit or nature.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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