excited state

American  

noun

Physics.

1. any of the energy levels of a physical system, especially an atom, molecule, etc., that has higher energy than the lowest energy level.

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excited state Scientific  

/ ĭk-sī′tĭd /

1. A state of a physical system in which the system has more than the minimum possible potential energy. Excited states tend to be unstable and easily or spontaneously revert to lower energy states, giving off energy.

2. Compare ground state

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Etymology

Origin of excited state

First recorded in 1925–30

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Compare meaning

How does excited-state compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ground state vs. excited state

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

excited state

During the reaction, arsenic-73 absorbs a proton and becomes selenium-74 in an excited state.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 14, 2026

According to Grzywacz, the nucleus begins in an excited state and must release energy to stabilize.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 2026

Because this encounter can take several nanoseconds, a long lasting excited state is essential.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 26, 2025

But when the researchers injected a drug that stimulates ⍺7 into the mice, the cells' initial excited state quickly gave way to a prolonged quiet state, producing an analgesic effect that lasted for several hours.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2023

And more as a consequence of the excited state in which this idea put Gregor than as a result of an actual decision, he swung himself with all his might out of the bed.

From "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka

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