excited state

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noun Physics.

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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Origin of excited state

First recorded in 1925–30

Words nearby excited state

excitant, excitation, excitative, excite, excited, excited state, excitement, exciter, exciter lamp, exciting, excito-

How to use excited state in a sentence

Dick went out during the day in the same excited state, and did not return till late in the evening.
The Wild Man of the West|R.M. Ballantyne
This self-excited state of ecstasy is an element of most religions in the same stage of development; and a low level it indicates.
The Ethnology of the British Colonies and Dependencies|Robert Gordon Latham
The card-party were in a violently agitated and excited state, all screaming out together at the top of the gamut.
A Changed Heart|May Agnes Fleming
I have been sent for several times by her and Mr. Packard, and found her in an excited state of mind.
Marital Power Exemplified in Mrs. Packard's Trial, and Self-Defence from the Charge of Insanity|Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard

While working at the nest the bayas, more especially the cocks, are in a most excited state.
A Bird Calendar for Northern India|Douglas Dewar

Scientific definitions for excited state

excited state

[ ĭk-sī′tĭd ]

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. Compare ground state.