Inert
Inert
Inert (/ɪˈnɜːrt/; from Latin inertis, meaning "unskilled, inactive") is a term used in various fields of science and medicine to describe a substance or object that is not chemically or physically reactive.
Definition
In the context of medicine, an inert substance is one that does not react with the body's biological systems or does not have any pharmacological effect. This term is often used to describe the inactive ingredients in medications, such as fillers or binders, which do not contribute to the therapeutic effects of the drug but are necessary for its formulation and delivery.
Related Terms
- Inert gas: A group of gases known for their lack of reactivity. In medicine, inert gases like helium and argon are used in various therapeutic applications.
- Inert ingredient: A component of a medication or medical device that does not have a therapeutic effect.
- Placebo: A substance that has no therapeutic effect used as a control in testing new drugs. Often made from inert materials.
- Pharmacology: The study of drugs, their properties, and their effects on living organisms.
Etymology
The term "inert" comes from the Latin word inertis, which means "unskilled" or "inactive". It was first used in the English language in the early 17th century to describe something lacking the ability or strength to move. It was later adopted in the field of chemistry to describe elements that do not readily engage in chemical reactions, and this usage was subsequently extended to other fields, including medicine.
Pronunciation
The word "inert" is pronounced as /ɪˈnɜːrt/.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Inert
- Wikipedia's article - Inert
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