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Definition

inertia

(in-ĕr'sh(ē-)ă )

[L., inertia, inactivity]

  1. In physics, the tendency of a body to remain in its state (at rest or in motion) until acted upon by an outside force.
  2. Sluggishness; a lack of activity.

clinical i.Inaction by a prescriber when guidelines or optimal care would recommend a more aggressive course. SYN: therapeutic inertia ; watchful waiting.

colonic i.A decreased rate or frequency of bowel activity, often associated with constipation.

secondary uterine i.Hypotonic uterine dysfunction.

sleep i.The normal impairment in thinking and motor performance that immediately follows awakening.

therapeutic i.Clinical inertia.

uterine i.An absence or weakness of uterine contractions in labor.