solid-state

adjective

sol·​id-state ˌsä-ləd-ˈstāt How to pronounce solid-state (audio)
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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Next-generation solid-state batteries might change this. Neil Winton, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2023 Also on sale today: a 1TB internal solid-state drive, 75-inch 4K UHD smart TV, four-pack of Apple AirTag trackers, and a gaming video card. Stephanie Mlot, PCMAG, 20 Mar. 2023 The other type of storage — called solid-state drives (SSDs) — is made up of memory chips instead of platters and has no moving parts. Jim Rossman, Dallas News, 19 Mar. 2023 The configuration that's on sale includes 16GB of LPDDR5 soldered memory and a 256GB M.2 solid-state drive. Chuong Nguyen, Ars Technica, 15 Mar. 2023 Forerunner of the famous EV1, the Impact was regarded as the most advanced electric car of its day, thanks to its solid-state power controls, induction motor, and integrated charger. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2023 Nissan, which also makes the March subcompact and Infiniti luxury models, is working on solid-state battery technology for EVs, a move that if successful is expected to radically reduce costs. Yuri Kageyama, ajc, 9 Mar. 2023 Best Budget Sabrent’s Rocket 4 is the most affordable way to add 1 TB of solid-state storage to your PlayStation 5. Hunter Fenollol, Popular Mechanics, 6 Mar. 2023 In fact, Toyota plans to introduce a vehicle with a solid-state battery by the middle of the decade. John Voelcker, Car and Driver, 4 Mar. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'solid-state.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1951, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solid-state was circa 1951

Dictionary Entries Near solid-state

Cite this Entry

“Solid-state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solid-state. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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