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

According to Defense News, the American prototype suffered severe barrel degradation after fewer than 30 firings, prompting Washington to shift its public emphasis toward solid-state laser systems. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025

The German luxury marque just revealed that an EQS prototype equipped with a solid-state battery completed a 749-mile drive on a single charge. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025

QuantumScape appears closest in its peer set to delivering full-scale solid-state cells to the EV market. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

Unlike most artificial senses built from solid-state electronics, taste must operate in liquid, where ions - not electrons - can carry the signal. —New Atlas, 30 Aug. 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