The term INERT MEDICINE can be summarized as a PLACEBO, which is a seven letter word. A PLACEBO is an inactive substance or treatment that is given to a patient in order to simulate a real medical treatment. Placebos are typically used in clinical trials to compare the effects of a real drug or treatment to the effects of a fake one. Placebos are also sometimes used in medical practice to help patients feel better, even if the medicine itself has no effect on the patient's condition.