In-ěr'ti-ă, n.

(in-ěr'shĭ-ă), n. [Lat., from iners; It. inerzia, Sp. inercia, Fr. inertie. See supra.]

1. (Physics.) That property of matter by which it tends when at rest to remain so, and when in motion to continue in motion;—sometimes called vis inertiae.
2. Inertness; indisposition to move.
3. (Med.) Want of activity; sluggishness;—said especially of the uterus, when, in labor, its contractions have nearly or wholly ceased.