Associations to the word «Metastable»

Wiktionary

METASTABLE, adjective. (physics) (chemistry) Of or pertaining to a physical or chemical state that is relatively long-lived, but may decay to a lower energy state when slightly perturbed or through a quantum transition.
METASTABLE, noun. A particle, etc. in the metastable state.
METASTABLE ISOMER, noun. (physics) An excited state of an isotope, often having different a spin quantum number (designated with an m)

Dictionary definition

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

Wise words

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.
Mark Twain