vis inertiae
Originating from Latin, 'vis inertiae' combines 'vis' meaning 'force' and 'inertiae' meaning 'of inertia,' describing the resistance of matter to changes in motion.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Physics
(technical, academic)The natural tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion or rest.
Example
- Due to vis inertiae, the spacecraft continued to drift in space without any propulsion.
- Understanding vis inertiae is crucial for predicting how objects will move when forces are applied.
C1General
(figurative)A state of inactivity or apathy.
Example
- His vis inertiae prevented him from taking any action towards his goals.
- Breaking out of vis inertiae can be challenging without strong motivation.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "vis inertiae":