METASTABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adjective) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of physical systems) continuing in its present state of equilibrium unless sufficiently disturbed to pass to a more stable state of equilibrium

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Domain category:

natural philosophy; physics (the science of matter and energy and their interactions)

Pertainym:

metastability (the quality of a physical system that persists in its existing equilibrium when undisturbed (or only slightly disturbed) but able to pass to a more stable equilibrium when sufficiently disturbed)

Credits