ground state

noun

: the state of a physical system (as of an atomic nucleus or an atom) having the least energy of all the possible states

called also ground level

Examples of ground state in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Once trapped, the ions are reduced to a ground state through lasers, similar to what freezing them at absolute zero achieves. Aldo Svaldi, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 Once trapped, the ions are reduced to a ground state through lasers, similar to what freezing them at absolute zero achieves. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 18 May 2026 According to quantum mechanics, even at absolute zero, particles retain some energy and remain disoriented – their quantum ground state. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026 This is the state with no extra energy added to it, no extra vibrations, no extra excitations whatsoever — just the lowest possible ground state, below which there is nothing. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ground state

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ground state was in 1926

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Cite this Entry

“Ground state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20state. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

ground state

noun
: the energy level of a physical system (as an atom) having the least energy of all its possible states

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