metastable

adjective

meta·sta·ble ˌme-tə-ˈstā-bəl

: having or characterized by only a slight margin of stability

a metastable compound

metastability

ˌme-tə-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē

noun

metastably

ˌme-tə-ˈstā-b(ə-)lē

adverb

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The averaging of subcontinental scale populations collapses the varied responses and generates a false metastable equilibrium in the data. —

Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 21 Apr. 2011 Plugging those two numbers into the stability equations reveals that the universe is… metastable. —

Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022 In 2000, astronomers predicted that metastable helium should show up in certain planetary atmospheres, but a search for it—reported in 2003,—on the planet HD 209458b, came up empty. —

Alexandra Witze, Scientific American, 4 May 2018 Guth wondered what would have happened if such a metastable phase transition occurred in the early universe. —

Adam Davidson, The New Yorker, 23 Mar. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'metastable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.