adj 1 a (1) :  lethargic or lacking in energy or will (2) :  tending not to take an active or dominant part <a spouse>   b  :  induced by an outside agency < exercise of a paralyzed leg>   2 a  :  of, relating to, or characterized by a state of chemical inactivity  b  :  not involving expenditure of chemical energy < transport across a plasma membrane>  pas*sive*ly adv pas*sive*ness n 
 
 
 
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