metastablyadv.
/ˌmɛtəˈsteɪbli/, U.S. /ˌmɛdəˈsteɪbli/ Science.
In a metastable state or manner.
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the world > matter > chemistry > physical chemistry > [adverb] > systems
metastably1936
the world > matter > chemistry > chemical reactions or processes > [adverb] > by means of named chemical reactions or processes > in a metastable state
metastably1936
1936 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 155 47 Although the bisulphate CaSO4.H2SO4 is the stable solid phase, soluble anhydrite might conceivably separate out metastably.
1938 A. Johannsen Descriptive Petrogr. Igneous Rocks IV. 401 Clinopyroxenes..may form metastably at lower temperatures.
1963 W. A. Deer et al. Rock-forming Minerals IV. 181 The higher temperature forms..can exist metastably below their inversion temperatures.
1973 A. D. Edgar Exper. Petrol. iii. 61 For some compositions it may be necessary to avoid certain very reactive components, e.g. α-cristobalite, which is known to persist metastably well below its equilibrium stability field.
1988 Nature 7 July 18/1 It has long been recognized that..a liquid can be metastably supercooled.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2001; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adv.1936