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

So what is a semi-solid-state battery, exactly? —Omar Kardoudi may 08, New Atlas, 8 May 2026

From lab to industry To understand how the additives work, the team used high-temperature solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026

Sandisk is a major maker of solid-state drives, which rely on what's known as NAND memory, a type of flash memory that stores data even when devices are turned off. —Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 27 Apr. 2026

The current shortages of significantly increased the costs of solid-state storage. —Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 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