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

Arnold notes the method is not suitable for solid-state drives (SSDs). —Gene Marks, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

Harding became a midlevel manager in the new division, responsible for developing and producing the equipment required to manufacture the System/360’s solid-state devices and circuit modules. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Nov. 2024

All configurations provide a 1TB NVMe solid-state drive loaded with Windows 11 Home. —PCMAG, 27 Nov. 2024

Read more Car giants are being forced to confront some hard truths over the EV transition Germany’s auto giants are struggling to stay relevant The solid-state batteries hype is fading – prompting auto giants to consider alternatives One of those issues stems from China. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1951, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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