astatic

American  

[ey-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  

/ eɪ-, æˈstætɪk /

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

• astatically adverb
• astaticism noun

Etymology

Origin of astatic

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

Example Sentences

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

The presence of the current is easily shown with the astatic detectors.

From How Two Boys Made Their Own Electrical Apparatus Containing Complete Directions for Making All Kinds of Simple Apparatus for the Study of Elementary Electricity by St. John, Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew)

Then along the brow of the pass writhed a wisp of drifting, twisting flakelets, idling hither and yon, astatic and aimless, settling in a hollow.

From Pardners by Beach, Rex Ellingwood

By this the astatic needle is suspended and protected from air currents.

From How Two Boys Made Their Own Electrical Apparatus Containing Complete Directions for Making All Kinds of Simple Apparatus for the Study of Elementary Electricity by St. John, Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew)

Horizontal and vertical astatic system are also used—Figs.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 643, April 28, 1888 by Various