inertial

/ɪnɛrˈtiəl/

Definitions

1. adjective

resistant to change in direction or speed; requiring a force to change motion

“The astronaut’s inertial mass made it difficult to accelerate the spacecraft quickly.”

2. noun

a property of an object that causes it to retain its state of motion, requiring a force to change it

“The inertial force was negligible due to the low velocity of the car.”

Synonyms

  • inert
  • inertia
  • inertial mass

Antonyms

  • kinetic
  • reactive