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

This combination enabled the team to demonstrate that SUPER provides a powerful new tool for solid-state quantum technology. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026

Atom Power developed the world’s first commercial solid-state circuit breaker, which is drawing attention from hyperscale data centers to meet performance demands and safety needs. —Charlotte Observer, 11 Mar. 2026

It is used for long-term storage in products such as solid-state drives (SSDs) and USB drives. —Ian King, Bloomberg, 8 Mar. 2026

And the way to do that is to use modern, controllable infrastructure, like solid-state transformers. —Alan Ohnsman, Forbes.com, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1951, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for solid-state

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

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