solid staten.
1. The condition or state of being solid rather than fluid.
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the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > state of being solid rather than fluid > [noun]
solid state1866
1866 E. Atkinson tr. A. Ganot Elem. Treat. Physics (ed. 2) vii. iv. 425 A metallic salt is introduced either in a solid state or in a state of solution.
1908 Chem. Abstr. 2 1654 The electrical conductivity of a series of natural silicates was measured in the solid and liquid states.
1908 Chem. Abstr. 2 2757 (heading) The solid state.
1959 Cambr. Rev. 6 June 597/1 The section on nuclear magnetic resonance is almost entirely concerned with wide-line studies on the solid state.
2. attributive. (Usually with hyphen.)
a. Concerned with the structure and properties of solids, esp. with their explanation in terms of atomic and nuclear physics; as solid-state physics (hence solid-state physicist).
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the world > matter > physics > solid state physics > [noun]
solid-state physics1953
the world > matter > physics > solid state physics > [noun] > one who studies
solid-state physicist1953
the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > state of being solid rather than fluid > [adjective] > relating to properties of solids
solid state1953
1953 C. Kittel (title) Introduction to solid state physics.
1956 Electronic Engin. 28 63/1 Research in solid-state physics in recent years has yielded much information on the relations between the electrical magnetic and elastic properties of metals.
1964 New Scientist 4 June 595 In his studies, the solid-state physicist must have some means of knowing what compounds are likely to be semi-conducting if he makes them.
1973 Sci. Amer. Jan. 98/3 Solid-state physics is currently faced with the problem of constructing an effective theory of noncrystalline, amorphous substances.
1974 BP Shield Internat. Oct. p. iii/3 He graduated as an applied physicist and subsequently as a solid state physicist.
1975 Nature 20 Nov. 274/2 I think that the solid-state theorist will enjoy this part of the monograph particularly.
b. (Employing devices) utilizing the electronic properties of solids (as in transistors and other semiconductor devices, in contrast to the partial vacuum of valves). Occasionally absol., such devices collectively.
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the world > matter > physics > solid state physics > [adjective]
solid state1959
1959 Economist 23 May 769/2 The transistor, best known of the ‘solid-state’ devices that employ these materials [sc. semiconductors], can do most of the jobs of a valve while taking far less space.
1961 Times 30 June 9/2 In this system solid-state electronic circuits..will replace conventional devices for interlocking signals and points.
1965 Wireless World July 350/2 Marconi's..showed their new solid-state 4½-inch image orthicon.
1968 Times 1 Nov. 23/4 In [computer] hardware, solid-state electronic devices have completely transformed the reliability, cost, speed and size of central processors.
1970 New Scientist 15 Oct. (Suppl.) 13/2 Solid state radars are required for airborne applications where size and weight are of prime importance.
1971 Hi-Fi Sound Feb. 40/1 (advt.) All silicon solid state circuitry using 20 transistors and 2 diodes provides a full 20 watts r.m.s. output.
1975 G. J. King Audio Handbk. ix. 202 A high-gain solidstate amplifier.
1978 Broadcast 5 June 21/2 The system's information is stored in solid state, not (as one might expect) on floppy disc.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1986; most recently modified version published online September 2018).
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