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in·ert

(ĭn-ûrt)

adj.

a. Incapable of moving or acting: "[Some patients] lingered, unable to breathe on their own, inert and unresponsive even to the most noxious stimulus" (Gary Greenberg).

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

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

3. Having no pharmacologic, metabolic, or other physiological effect.

[Latin iners, inert- : in-, not; see IN-¹ + ars, skill; see ar- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

in·ertly adv.

in·ertness n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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