Definition of"solid-state" in English
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solid-state
Definitions
Adjective
Examples
"Modern laptops often use a solid-state drive (SSD) for storage because it's much faster and more durable than traditional hard disk drives."
Modern laptops often use a solid-state drive (SSD) for storage because it's much faster and more durable than traditional hard disk drives.
"Solid-state physics is a branch of condensed matter physics that studies the physical properties of solid materials."
Solid-state physics is a branch of condensed matter physics that studies the physical properties of solid materials.
"The transition from vacuum tubes to solid-state components revolutionized the electronics industry."
The transition from vacuum tubes to solid-state components revolutionized the electronics industry.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
A compound term formed from 'solid' (from Latin 'solidus', meaning firm or whole) and 'state' (from Old French 'estat', referring to condition or status). The specific meaning relating to electronics emerged in the mid-20th century to distinguish devices based on semiconductor technology (which are solid, unlike vacuum tubes) from older, often mechanical or vacuum-based, systems.
Cultural Notes
The concept of 'solid-state' is fundamental to modern technology. Its advent, particularly with the invention of the transistor, enabled the miniaturization, increased reliability, speed, and energy efficiency of electronic devices. This shift from bulky, fragile, and power-hungry vacuum tubes to compact, robust, and efficient semiconductor components underlies virtually all digital technology today, from smartphones and computers to medical devices and renewable energy systems. The term signifies a technological leap that has profoundly shaped the digital age.