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

Crucial also sold solid-state hard drives. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 3 Dec. 2025

The Samsung 9100 Pro solid-state drive provides exceptionally fast load times for large files or games at 30% off for Cyber Monday. —PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

The latest developments make Tinci a central figure in China’s solid-state battery ecosystem. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 Nov. 2025

As on the prototype, those battery options take advantage of Renogy's slimline solid-state battery architecture to fit inside the shelter. —New Atlas, 24 Nov. 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