METASTABLE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does metastable mean? 

• METASTABLE (adjective)
  The adjective METASTABLE has 1 sense:

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

  Familiarity information: METASTABLE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• METASTABLE (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)

 Context examples 

Both Cs 137 and its metastable nuclear isomer, barium-137m, emit gamma radiation of moderate energy and so are used in sterilization procedures in the food industry or in hospital environments.

(Cesium Cs 137, NCI Thesaurus)