Inanimate

/ɪnˈænɪmət/ adjective

Definition

Not alive; not showing signs of life or movement.

Etymology

From Latin 'inanimatus,' combining 'in-' (not) and 'animatus' (alive, from 'anima' meaning soul or breath). The root 'anima' also gives us 'animal' and 'animation.'

Kelly Says

Scientists debate whether certain things like viruses or crystals are inanimate or alive—some inanimate objects can organize themselves into patterns and move, blurring the line between dead and living in ways that might redefine how we use the word!

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