be inert

Within biology, though, as a consequence of extensive homochirality, it is commonly the case that only the left- or the right-handed form of a chiral molecule has useful properties -- the other may be inert or even toxic.

Elements of the larger, intact missile, such as the warhead, were missing and the authorities deemed the piece to be inert and safe, the police said in a news release on Friday.

They theorized that sodium's core electrons, thought to be inert, would interact with each other and the outer valence electrons when under extreme pressure.

Mr. Seraphin stressed that investigators don’t know whether the devices were intended to be inert.

The grenade was found to be inert and, according to its owner, was bought at an air show.