INERT', adjective [Latin iners; in and ars, art. The English sense is drawn not from art, but from the primary sense, strength or vigorous action.] 1. Destitute of the power of moving itself, or of active resistance to motion impressed; as, matter is inert 2. Dull; sluggish; indisposed to move or act.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI