astatic

[ ey-stat-ik ]

/ eɪˈstæt ɪk /

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adjective

unstable; unsteady.

Physics. having no tendency to take a definite position or direction.

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Origin of astatic

1820–30; <Greek ástat(os) not steadfast, unstable (a-a-⁶ + statós standing) + -ic; see static

OTHER WORDS FROM astatic

a·stat·i·cal·ly, adverba·stat·i·cism

[ey-stat-uh-siz-uhm], /eɪˈstæt əˌsɪz əm/, noun

Words nearby astatic

A star, astarboard, Astarte, astasia, astasia-abasia, astatic, astatic galvanometer, astatide, astatine, Astbury, asteatosis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use astatic in a sentence

An astatic magnetic system placed beside the disc underwent deviations.
The Foundations of Science: Science and Hypothesis, The Value of Science, Science and Method|Henri Poincar
The presence of the current is easily shown with the astatic detectors.
How Two Boys Made Their Own Electrical Apparatus|Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew) St. John
Hang the astatic needle so that the wire between the two parts will not quite touch the coil.
How Two Boys Made Their Own Electrical Apparatus|Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew) St. John
The most convenient way will be to use two coils, one on each side of the astatic needle.
How Two Boys Made Their Own Electrical Apparatus|Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew) St. John

By this the astatic needle is suspended and protected from air currents.
How Two Boys Made Their Own Electrical Apparatus|Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew) St. John

British Dictionary definitions for astatic

astatic

/ (æˈstætɪk, eɪ-) /

adjective

not static; unstable

physics

having no tendency to assume any particular position or orientation
(of a galvanometer) having two mutually compensating magnets arranged so that the instrument is independent of the earth's magnetic field

Derived forms of astatic

astatically, adverbastaticism, noun

Word Origin for astatic

C19: from Greek astatos unsteady; see a- 1, static

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for astatic

astatic

[ ə-stăt′ĭk ]

adj.

Relating to astasia.

Unsteady; unstable.