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 Samsung 9100 Pro solid-state drive gives you absurdly fast load times for big files or games. —PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2025

External solid-state drives are the best option for increasing storage capacity or serving as a backup for your most valuable information. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2025

Technology Risk The landscape of next-generation battery technologies is shifting, with silicon anodes potentially bypassing solid-state solutions entirely. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

Some solid-state batteries that already exist have small liquid components. —Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025

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