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

The researchers at Cornell University used an artificial intelligence (AI) framework called IonNet to search millions of possible materials for fast-ion conductors that are critical components of solid-state batteries. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026

What are the new possibilities solid-state lighting is bringing? — Joel Feder, The Drive, 5 Aug. 2026

Motzki says Europe is clearly at the forefront in solid-state cooling, including in efforts to bring the technology to market. — Sabrina Weiss, ArsTechnica, 10 July 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