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

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

If the rollout progresses as expected, the qualification of the Cornerstone Cell could mark an important step in bringing solid-state batteries from experimental development into practical commercial use across multiple industries. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 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