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

When light strikes a tiny imperfection inside a material such as diamond or silicon carbide, it can transfer energy to electrons and push them into an excited state.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2026

In a typical cavity QED setup, each atom has a ground state and an excited state separated by a specific energy difference.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 6, 2026

One example is the ability to charge a so-called quantum battery, which requires coherent light that can collectively push atoms into an excited state.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 23, 2025

With its simple, scalable synthesis, strong light absorption, stable photophysical characteristics, and long lived excited state, the manganese-based material could support future large scale photochemical applications.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 26, 2025

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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