nonreactive

adjective

non·​re·​ac·​tive ˌnän-rē-ˈak-tiv 

: not reactive: such as

a

: lacking a response or reaction to a stimulus

nonreactive pupils as a result of head trauma

b

: having no inductance or capacitance

—used of a circuit offering only ohmic resistance to a current

nonreactive circuits

c

: not exhibiting a positive reaction in a particular laboratory test

serum that is nonreactive on the first test

d

of cookware : not reacting chemically with acidic ingredients

a nonreactive bowl

Bring the liquids and the sugar to a boil in a nonreactive saucepan.

—Harvey Steiman

Stainless steel is used in cookware primarily for its easy care and nonreactive qualities; it's a notoriously poor conductor of heat.

—Melanie Barnard

Examples of nonreactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a nonreactive bowl, toss ears of corn with remaining olive oil, Aleppo pepper and salt. —John Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 3 June 2024

Be sure to use a stainless-steel, enamel, or other nonreactive pot to cook artichokes to prevent discoloration or off-flavors. —Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2024

That’s why most copper pots are lined with a nonreactive metal. —Kathleen Purvis, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

The nonstick, nonreactive surface is perfect for slow-cooking stews, oysters, and practically anything else for long periods. —Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nonreactive

adjective

non·​re·​ac·​tive -rē-ˈak-tiv 

: not reactive

dilated nonreactive pupils

especially : not exhibiting a positive reaction in a particular laboratory test

the serum was nonreactive in the VDRL test