I. (ˈ)i|nər]t, əˈn-, -nə̄], -nəi], usu ]d.+V adjective
Etymology: Latin inert-, iners unskilled, idle, motionless, from in- in- (I) + art-, ars skill, art — more at arm
1. : not having the power to move itself
the Newtonian world which was composed of units, or atoms, that were material, inert , and all alike — S.F.Mason
inert ammunition
2. : not having or manifesting active properties : not affecting other substances when in contact with them : chemically unreactive : powerless for an expected or desired biological effect
inert drug
: neutral
3. : very slow to move or act : lifeless , sluggish , indolent
inert bureaucrats
inert contemplation of television programs
politically inert citizenry
4. of a paint pigment : possessing little or no hiding power when ground in oil
Synonyms: see inactive
II. noun
( -s )
: an inert person, constituent, or material: as
a. : a noncombustible gas (as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) present in a gaseous fuel
b. : extender 1a (1)