astatic
Americanadjective
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unstable; unsteady.
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Physics. having no tendency to take a definite position or direction.
adjective
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not static; unstable
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physics
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having no tendency to assume any particular position or orientation
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(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
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of astatic
1820–30; < Greek ástat ( os ) not steadfast, unstable ( a- a- 6 + statós standing) + -ic; see static
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Such a helix is caused to stand between the two poles N's' of an astatic system.
From Fragments of science, V. 1-2 by Tyndall, John
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 Threlfall, Richard
Hang the astatic needle so that the wire between the two parts will not quite touch the coil.
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
This coil, etc., may be used in connection with an astatic needle.
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)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
