solid-state

adjective

sol·​id-state ˌsä-ləd-ˈstāt 

1

: relating to the properties, structure, or reactivity of solid material

especially : relating to the arrangement or behavior of ions, molecules, nucleons, electrons, and holes in the crystals of a substance (such as a semiconductor) or to the effect of crystal imperfections on the properties of a solid substance

solid-state physics

2

a

: utilizing the electric, magnetic, or optical properties of solid materials

solid-state circuitry

b

: using semiconductor devices rather than electron tubes

a solid-state radio

Examples of solid-state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But fast solid-state storage soon became a standard feature, and within just a few years, the MacBook Air was what virtually all laptops looked like. —ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026

In addition, the solid-state battery needs less structural bracing and mounting, so total weight savings could be much more. —New Atlas, 15 June 2026

European battery startup SOLiTHOR has produced its first 10 Ah demonstration cell, marking an increase in the physical scale of its solid-state lithium battery technology. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026

Ventiva aims to use solid-state ionic cooling to replace laptop fans, eliminating moving parts, vibration, and noise. —John Burek, PC Magazine, 13 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1951, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for solid-state

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

solid-state

adjective

1

: relating to the characteristics and structure of solid material

2

: using semiconductor devices rather than electron tubes

a solid-state radio