Main Entry: in·er·tia

Pronunciation: \i-ˈnər-shə, -shē-ə\

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, lack of skill, from inert-, iners

Date: 1713

1 a : a property of matter by which it remains at rest or in uniform motion in the same straight line unless acted upon by some external force b : an analogous property of other physical quantities (as electricity)
2 : indisposition to motion, exertion, or change : inertness

— in·er·tial \-shəl\ adjective

— in·er·tial·ly \-ˈnər-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb