vis inertiae

English

Etymology

Latin

Noun

vis inertiae (uncountable)

  1. The resistance of matter, as when a body at rest is set in motion, or a body in motion is brought to rest, or has its motion changed, either in direction or in velocity.
  2. Inertness; inactivity.

Usage notes

  • Vis inertiae and inertia are not strictly synonymous. The former implies the resistance itself which is given, while the latter implies merely the property by which it is given.
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