1. The condition of a metal having formed a protective oxide coating; e.g., rustless metals and aluminum become passive in air. 2. In dentistry, the quality or condition of inactivity or rest assumed by the teeth, tissues, and denture when a removable partial denture is in place but not under masticatory pressure.
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pas·siv·i·ty (pə-sivґĭ-te) 1. in psychology, an unwillingness, inability, or other failure to take initiative or personal responsibility for routine life events. 2. in dentistry, the condition of rest assumed by the teeth, surrounding tissue, and denture when a removable partial denture is in place but not under masticatory pressure.Medical dictionary. 2011.