astatic

American  

[ay-stat-ik] / eɪˈstæt ɪk /

adjective

1. unstable; unsteady.

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

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astatic British  

/ æˈstætɪk, eɪ- /

adjective

1. not static; unstable

2. physics

   1. having no tendency to assume any particular position or orientation

   2. (of a galvanometer) having two mutually compensating magnets arranged so that the instrument is independent of the earth's magnetic field

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Other Word Forms

• astaticism
  noun
• astatically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of astatic

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

astatic

Quartz fibres have two great advantages over other forms of suspension when employed for any kind of torsion balance, from an ordinary more or less "astatic" galvanometer to the Cavendish apparatus.

From On Laboratory Arts by Richard Threlfall

When it is so far sunk that its lower end rests upon the table, the upper end finds itself between the poles N´S´ of the astatic system.

From Fragments of science, V. 1-2 by John Tyndall

The iron cylinder is thus converted into a strong magnet, attracting one of the poles, and repelling the other, and consequently deflecting the entire astatic system.

From Fragments of science, V. 1-2 by John Tyndall

This magnet is capable of rendering the needle less sensitive or of making it astatic.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 421, January 26, 1884 by Various

This is a degree of sensitiveness that cannot be obtained with any of the astatic instruments known up to the present.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 492, June 6, 1885 by Various

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