metastable

adjective

meta·sta·ble | \ ˌme-tə-ˈstā-bəl

Definition of metastable

: having or characterized by only a slight margin of stability a metastable compound

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metastability \ ˌme-tə-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

metastably \ ˌme-tə-ˈstā-b(ə-)lē

\ adverb

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2000, astronomers predicted that metastable helium should show up in certain planetary atmospheres, but a search for it—reported in 2003,—on the planet HD 209458b, came up empty. — Alexandra Witze, Scientific American, "Astronomers Spot Helium on Exoplanet for First Time," 4 May 2018 Guth wondered what would have happened if such a metastable phase transition occurred in the early universe. — Adam Davidson, The New Yorker, "The End of the Universe as We Know It," 23 Mar. 2017

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More Definitions for metastable

metastable

adjective

meta·sta·ble | \ ˌmet-ə-ˈstā-bəl

: having or characterized by only a slight margin of stability a metastable compound