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

From enhancing the performance of solid-state drives to enabling more efficient quantum computing, altermagnets could revolutionize how data is stored and processed. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Race is real but not the point and not even solid-state. —Jesse Green, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024

This is a hard drive, not a modern solid-state drive. —Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024

This blog focuses on various types of solid-state non-volatile memory and storage. —Thomas Coughlin, Forbes, 14 Dec. 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