inert

Everyday

1. Not moving and without strength or life. tree →
2. (science) Not reacting with other chemicals, as in inert gases like helium or neon. tree →
3. Slow and not wanting to act. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons: inert (noble) gases like helium, neon and argon do not easily react, which is why helium is safe in balloons. In stories: «He lay inert on the floor» shows someone not moving. Phrase: inert gas.

Examples

• Helium is an inert gas. tree →
• Neon is inert, so it is safe in signs. tree →
• The cat lay inert in the sun. tree →
• The robot stood inert until it was switched on. tree →
• Gold is quite inert, so it doesn't rust. tree →
• The crowd stayed inert and silent. tree →

Note

Related: inertia (a body's resistance to changing its motion). «Inert» does not mean dead — only not moving or not reacting.