nonreactive

adjective

non·​re·​ac·​tive ˌnän-rē-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce nonreactive (audio)
: not reactive: such as
a
: lacking a response or reaction to a stimulus
nonreactive pupils as a result of head trauma
b
: having no inductance or capacitance
used of a circuit offering only ohmic resistance to a current
nonreactive circuits
c
: not exhibiting a positive reaction in a particular laboratory test
serum that is nonreactive on the first test
d
of cookware : not reacting chemically with acidic ingredients
a nonreactive bowl
Bring the liquids and the sugar to a boil in a nonreactive saucepan.Harvey Steiman
Stainless steel is used in cookware primarily for its easy care and nonreactive qualities; it's a notoriously poor conductor of heat.Melanie Barnard

Examples of nonreactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The nonstick, nonreactive surface is perfect for slow-cooking stews, oysters, and practically anything else for long periods. Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2023 The nonstick, nonreactive surface is perfect for slow-cooking stews, oysters, and practically anything else on the stovetop for long periods. Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2023 Salt vegetables: Place cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and peppers in a nonreactive container. Jessica B. Harris, Southern Living, 11 July 2023 These pots and pans have a slick, nonporous chemical coating along the inside that creates a nonreactive surface that keeps food from sticking. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 13 July 2023 In a 4- to 5-qt. nonreactive heavy pot combine 4 cups water, 4 cups white vinegar, and ½ cup sugar. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2023 Set a large nonreactive colander in an extra-large nonreactive bowl. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2023 In a medium nonreactive saucepan combine the remaining ingredients. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2022 Transfer chopped tomatoes to a 7- to 8-quart nonreactive heavy pot. Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonreactive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonreactive was circa 1909

Dictionary Entries Near nonreactive

Cite this Entry

“Nonreactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonreactive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

nonreactive

adjective
non·​re·​ac·​tive -rē-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce nonreactive (audio)
: not reactive
dilated nonreactive pupils
especially : not exhibiting a positive reaction in a particular laboratory test
the serum was nonreactive in the VDRL test
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