steady state

noun

: a state or condition of a system or process (such as one of the energy states of an atom) that does not change in time
broadly : a condition that changes only negligibly over a specified time
steady-state adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Someone who is muscular can consume more protein and glucose to maintain a steady state. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 28 Apr. 2023 Petri dishes containing one of the cell types were placed under the nail polish dryer for a 20-minute session, removed for one hour to return to their steady state, and then returned for an additional 20-minute session to replicate acute exposure. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2023 That’s why top trainers still don't hesitate to incorporate the OG cardio training method—low intensity steady state (LISS) training—into their clients’ weekly routines. Men's Health, 30 Jan. 2023 Overnight, people are being advised not to worry and, essentially, to fend for themselves – a head-spinning change for a population living in a steady state of anxiety from mass testing, constant health surveillance, and the ever-present risk of draconian lockdowns. Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2022 What does that steady state look like? Stat Staff, STAT, 10 Sep. 2020 Gusty southwest winds keep temperatures in a nearly steady state with lows in the upper 50s to low 60s. David Streit, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2023 Extended periods of steady state cardio, like jogging, won’t do much to cut down your spare tire. Cori Ritchey, Men's Health, 26 Jan. 2023 The research provides evidence that these forests haven’t reached a new steady state in the midst of the altered fire regime, resulting in a net loss of trees, said co-author Jim Randerson, professor of earth system science at UC Irvine. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'steady state.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of steady state was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near steady state

Cite this Entry

“Steady state.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steady%20state. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

steady state

noun
: a state or condition of a system or process that does not change or changes only slightly over time
on the average a living cell maintains a steady state

Medical Definition

steady state

noun
1
: a state or condition of a system or process (as one of the energy states of an atom) that does not change in time
2
: a state of physiological equilibrium especially in connection with a specified metabolic relation or activity

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