astatic
Americanadjective
-
unstable; unsteady.
-
Physics. having no tendency to take a definite position or direction.
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
-
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.
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)
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
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 Tyndall, John
We can increase the strength of the field about the needle, and at the same time decrease its pointing-power by using 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)
In a form of astatic needle galvanometer devised by Professor A. Broca of Paris, the pair of magnetized needles are suspended vertically and parallel to each other with poles in opposite directions.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 4 "G" to "Gaskell, Elizabeth" by Various
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.
