non-reactive

/ˌnɒn.riˈæk.tɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌnɑːn.riˈæk.tɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌnän-rē-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce nonreactive (audio)/ (ame, mw)

non-reactive — adjective

1. describing a substance or material that does not easily change when it touches o

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing a substance or material that does not easily change when it touches or mixes with other chemicals.

例句

The lab stores helium separately because the gas is almost completely non-reactive.

predicative use in a lab context

Linh chose a non-reactive sealant so the acid would not damage the pipe.

non-reactive + material noun

同義詞
  • inert

    stronger scientific term suggesting almost no chemical activity at all

  • stable

    broader term for not changing easily; non-reactive focuses on chemical contact

  • unreactive

    close synonym, but less common in general learner use

反義詞
  • reactive

    describes a substance that readily changes when it meets other chemicals

文法句型

be + non-reactive

non-reactive + noun

用法筆記

Usually describes gases, metals, coatings, or lab materials in scientific and industrial contexts. Distinguish from sense 3, which is the kitchen-use application for pans and containers touching food.

常見錯誤

❌This plastic is non-reactive, so it will never melt.
✅This plastic is non-reactive, so it will not react with the cleaner.
💡non-reactive describes chemical behaviour, not resistance to heat.

2. describing body tissue, an organ, or a patient that shows little or no response

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describing body tissue, an organ, or a patient that shows little or no response when light, pain, or another test stimulus is applied.

例句

After the crash, the doctor noted that one pupil was non-reactive to light.

non-reactive to light — fixed medical pattern

The nurse called for help when the patient's legs stayed non-reactive during the reflex test.

同義詞
  • unresponsive

    broader medical term that can describe many kinds of missing response

  • insensitive

    can overlap in physical tests, but often extends beyond medical response

反義詞
  • responsive

    shows a clear reaction when a light, touch, or other test is applied

文法句型

be + non-reactive

be + non-reactive to + noun

用法筆記

Common in medical notes, especially with pupils, reflexes, skin, or limbs after injury or anesthesia. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about a body's response to a stimulus, not chemicals reacting with each other.

常見錯誤

❌Her arm was non-reactive because it looked calm.
✅Her arm was non-reactive to the pin test.
💡this sense needs a medical or physical stimulus, not a description of mood.

3. describing pans or containers made from a material that does not change or add a

3.形容詞B2
釋義

describing pans or containers made from a material that does not change or add a metallic taste when it touches food, especially acidic food.

例句

Ilan bought a non-reactive pan so tomato sauce would not pick up a metal taste.

non-reactive pan — common cooking collocation

The recipe tells cooks to use a non-reactive bowl for the lemon marinade.

同義詞
  • inert

    more technical term for a material that will not affect the food

  • stable

    broader term; non-reactive specifically refers to contact with ingredients

反義詞
  • reactive

    describes cookware or a surface that can change the food through chemical contact

文法句型

non-reactive + noun

be + non-reactive with + food

用法筆記

Usually appears in cooking instructions and product descriptions, especially with tomato, lemon, vinegar, or other acidic ingredients. Unlike sense 1, the focus is the pan or container's effect on food rather than a substance's general chemistry.

常見錯誤

❌Use a non-reactive spoon because the soup is very hot.
✅Use a heatproof spoon because the soup is very hot.
💡non-reactive is about chemical contact with food, not resistance to heat.