nonreactive

adjective

non·​re·​ac·​tive ˌnän-rē-ˈak-tiv 

: 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

Step 2 To a small nonreactive pot, add ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons of water and bring to a boil. —Adam and Toby Diltz, Saveur, 1 May 2025

In nonreactive container such as glass or ceramic, combine all ingredients except optional seasoning and garnishes. —Cathy Thomas, Orange County Register, 1 Jan. 2025

In a nonreactive bowl, toss ears of corn with remaining olive oil, Aleppo pepper and salt. —John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 3 June 2024

Be sure to use a stainless-steel, enamel, or other nonreactive pot to cook artichokes to prevent discoloration or off-flavors. —Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nonreactive

• bioactive
• hyperactive
• interactive
• overactive
• psychoactive
• putrefactive
• retroactive
• unattractive
• unreactive
• vasoactive
• active
• tractive

Medical Definition

nonreactive

adjective

non·​re·​ac·​tive -rē-ˈak-tiv 

: not reactive

dilated nonreactive pupils

especially : not exhibiting a positive reaction in a particular laboratory test

the serum was nonreactive in the VDRL test