astatic

[ ey-stat-ik ]

adjective
  1. unstable; unsteady.

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

Origin of astatic

1
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, adverb
  • a·stat·i·cism [ey-stat-uh-siz-uhm], /eɪˈstæt əˌsɪz əm/, noun

Words Nearby astatic

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How to use astatic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for astatic

astatic

/ (æˈstætɪk, eɪ-) /


adjective
  1. not static; unstable

  2. 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

Origin of astatic

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

Derived forms of astatic

  • astatically, adverb
  • astaticism, noun

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