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

Researchers in Germany have recently unveiled a new lithium-sulfur (Li-S) solid-state EV battery that could pave the way for lighter, safer and far more energy-efficient storage systems. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025

Race is real but not the point and not even solid-state. —Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025

Asus equipped the Xbox Ally X with 24GB of DDR5 memory and a 1TB M.2 solid-state drive. —PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025

View gallery - 6 images A couple of year's back, audio gear brand Creative was the first company to pop solid-state speaker technology from xMEMS in a pair of wireless earphones. —New Atlas, 10 Oct. 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